MILLINGTON, Tenn. – A native of Mayfield, Kentucky, was promoted in rank to captain in a ceremony on April 2.
Capt. Cory Woods serves as the reserve program director at Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), located at Washington Navy Yard. Woods is responsible to the commander for NAVFAC’s Reserve Management Program, according to the command.
Woods graduated from Graves County High School in 1994. Additionally, Woods earned a degree in architecture from the University of Kentucky in 2001.
After the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Woods enlisted in the Navy Reserves as an engineer aide in the Seabees and received a direct commission as an ensign in Navy Reserves as a Civil Engineer Corps officer in 2003.
Woods has served with NAVFAC for more than three years.
“Organizational development requires collaboration among multidisciplinary teams,” said Woods. “I’ve learned how to work more effectively in teams, communicate across departments and leverage the diverse expertise of colleagues to achieve common goals.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
“I have been a reserve Civil Engineer Corps officer for over 20 years,” said Woods. “Working at NAVFAC to increase the agility and lethality of NAVFAC’s reserve forces allows me to support the Navy and our critical reserve community.”
Woods serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
Woods has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of my service, and the adventures volunteering has given me,” said Woods. “After graduating from architecture school, my friends, family, and colleagues didn’t understand why I joined the Navy Reserves or what I would be doing, and to be honest, neither did I. Over the years, one weekend a month and two weeks a year turned into extended mobilizations and long-term activations that have allowed me to see the world and given me numerous opportunities and invaluable experience.”
Woods can take pride in serving America through military service.
“NAVFAC is crucial in providing infrastructure and logistical support to the Navy and Marine Corps, and working for the Chief of Civil Engineers as the reserve program director allows me to contribute directly to the operational readiness of the armed forces, ensuring we have strategic depth and relevant operational capabilities in a time of war or national emergency,” said Woods.