FORT WORTH, Texas - Lt. Cmdr. James Bernsen, a native of Castroville, Texas, felt his call to service on September 11, 2001, while working as a press secretary for a U.S. Senator.
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| CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Aug. 26, 2024) – Lt. Cmdr. James Bernsen, intelligence officer assigned to the 7th Fleet Intelligence Unit, stands aboard the pier near the newly commissioned USS Kingsville (LCS 36). |
Watching the events unfold alone in his Dallas office, Bernsen felt a strong pull to take action. Inspired by the dedication of the World War II generation, he was commissioned directly into the Navy Reserve as an intelligence officer, marking the beginning of a career dedicated to safeguarding national security.
"I couldn't sit there and tell others to serve if I wasn't willing to do it myself," said Bernsen.
Bernsen has contributed to critical operations worldwide throughout his nearly two-decade Navy Reserve career. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan and aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in the South China Sea. Bernsen's work in Iraq, where he provided real-time intelligence to support commanders, stands out as a particularly proud accomplishment.
"One time, we had a downed aircraft, and I was asked to find a safe route to evacuate the crew within five minutes," said Bernsen. "Knowing I contributed to getting someone out safely made a lasting impact on me."
In addition to his service, Bernsen leverages his skills as an intelligence analyst in his civilian role with the Texas Workforce Commission, where he manages special projects for the state. His dual role exemplifies the Navy Reserve's commitment to warfighting readiness, allowing reservists to serve their country while maintaining successful civilian careers.
"Being a citizen Sailor means being prepared," added Bernsen. "We've always got a core group ready to meet a crisis without needing an extensive active-duty force."
A published author, Bernsen, utilized the GI Bill to complete a master's in history, culminating in a book on Texas' first revolution. His historical research was shaped by his intelligence background, analyzing strategies from a two-century-old insurgency with the precision of a modern-day intelligence officer.
Bernsen's journey reflects the Navy Reserve's enduring mission readiness and dedication to service, mentorship and the broader impact of citizen sailors on national defense.