As I work on my path of becoming a naval officer myself, I feel the need to talk about my greatest influence upon this path. My father, Captain James Lee Vandiver, was a naval aviator and is my greatest role model. Below is his bio of what he has done.                                                     
A Colorado native, Captain James “Kermit” Vandiver grew up in Durango, Colorado.  A 1985 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he was designated a Pilot in November 1986.

Following completion of SH-2F training with HSL-31 at NAS North Island, California, his initial Fleet assignment was with the HSL-35 “Magicians,” from July 1987 through June 1990, where he deployed in USS COPELAND (FFG 25) and USS LOCKWOOD (FF 1064) to the Western Pacific/Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Earnest Will.  He subsequently was assigned to Naval Postgraduate School where he completed his masters degree in Aeronautical Engineering, graduating with distinction in September 1992.

In October 1992, Captain Vandiver reported to HSL-41 for transition to the SH-60B “Seahawk” helicopter with a follow on tour in HSL-49 where he served as assistant Safety Officer/Aviation Safety Officer and deployed in USS VINCENNES (CG 49) as assistance officer-in-charge, operating in the Sea of Japan and Yellow Sea.

From February 1995 to December 1995, Captain Vandiver was the Training Officer on the staff of Commander, Helicopter Light Wing Pacific before joining HSL-37 in Barbers Point, Hawaii from January 1996 to November 1998.  Captain Vandiver was assigned as officer-in-charge of Detachment Nine, where he completed a deployment to the Western Pacific/Arabian Gulf in USS LAKE ERIE (CG 70).  On his return, he assumed duties as the squadron Operations Officer.

Captain Vandiver was selected to be the Aide to the Deputy Commander-in-Chief U.S. Space Command, Colorado Springs, Colorado, from December 1998 to November 2000.  While there, he was selected for aviation command and was assigned to VT-27, Corpus Christi, Texas as Executive Officer and was Commanding Officer from August 2002 to November 2003. He then reported to the Naval War College where he graduated in March 2005.

Following War College, Captain Vandiver was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Director of Surface Warfare (N86) in Washington D.C. from April 2005 to June 2008.  He served as Maritime Warfare Systems/Surface Strike Branch Head.

He was assigned to Training Air Wing FIVE as Deputy Commander in September 2008. He assumed his duties as the Commodore of Training Air Wing FIVE from March 2010 until September 2011.  Captain Vandiver served as Commanding Officer of Naval Aviation Schools Command from September 2011 until October 2014. As CO of Naval Aviation Schools Command and Commodore, Captain Vandiver helped train the forces of our allies. High-ranking members of the Italian Navy, as well as the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, have met with him as they discussed and oversaw training of their forces.

Captain Vandiver retired from naval service after a very successful 30 year career.  He is very happily married to the former Jody Winje of San Diego, CA.