by Kimberly M. Lansdale, Center for Surface Combat Systems Public Affairs
DAHLGREN, Va. – Cmdr. Chris Simmons, a Tyler, Texas, native, retired from the U.S. Navy after 22 years of honorable service, Dec. 13.
Simmons, who was the executive officer for the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS), received his second Meritorious Service Medal at his retirement ceremony.
When asked why he joined the Navy 22 years ago, Simmons simply said, "I wanted to serve my country.”
As the executive officer for CSCS, Simmons managed a staff of over 2000 military, government civilians, and contractors across 15 geographically dispersed learning sites and detachments which deliver over 38,000 newly trained Sailors to the Fleet annually.
"What I enjoyed most about my job was working with warfighters and fighting the good fight each and every day,” Simmons said.
CSCS' mission is to develop and deliver surface ship combat systems training to achieve surface warfare superiority. CSCS delivers specialized training for Officer and Enlisted Sailors required to tactically operate, maintain, and employ shipboard and shore-based weapons, sensors, and command and control systems utilized in today's Navy.
"The Navy has had a remarkable effect on my life," Simmons said. "Without the support of my family, I would have never made it to this milestone.” Thank you for your endless love and support.”
Simmons commissioned in 1996 from the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Program at Texas A&M University. He graduated from the University of Houston in 2003 with a Master of Science degree in Environmental Sciences and Naval War College in 2012 with a Master of Arts in National Security.
He is the son of Dan and Pat Simmons who reside in Kingwood, Texas.
Simmons is married to Colleen and they are parents of three children who all reside in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
As the executive officer for CSCS, Simmons managed a staff of over 2000 military, government civilians, and contractors across 15 geographically dispersed learning sites and detachments which deliver over 38,000 newly trained Sailors to the Fleet annually.
"What I enjoyed most about my job was working with warfighters and fighting the good fight each and every day,” Simmons said.
CSCS' mission is to develop and deliver surface ship combat systems training to achieve surface warfare superiority. CSCS delivers specialized training for Officer and Enlisted Sailors required to tactically operate, maintain, and employ shipboard and shore-based weapons, sensors, and command and control systems utilized in today's Navy.
"The Navy has had a remarkable effect on my life," Simmons said. "Without the support of my family, I would have never made it to this milestone.” Thank you for your endless love and support.”
Simmons commissioned in 1996 from the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Program at Texas A&M University. He graduated from the University of Houston in 2003 with a Master of Science degree in Environmental Sciences and Naval War College in 2012 with a Master of Arts in National Security.
He is the son of Dan and Pat Simmons who reside in Kingwood, Texas.
Simmons is married to Colleen and they are parents of three children who all reside in Fredericksburg, Virginia.