MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Tim Cushanick, a native of Easton, Maryland, recently took over as executive director of the Surface Advanced Warfighting School (SAWS), located aboard Naval Base San Diego, California.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Easton.
“In Easton, I became a lifeguard at 15 and worked at the local YMCA, which was also where our swim team practiced,” Cushanick said. “My swim coaches and YMCA managers taught me many important lessons during that time about attention to detail, professionalism and having a positive attitude. I continued lifeguarding at the YMCA in State College, Pennsylvania, when I was a student at Penn State. The YMCA community felt similar to the Navy in that everyone acted like a family and was concerned with each other’s welfare.”
Cushanick graduated from Easton High School in 2003. Additionally, Cushanick earned a bachelor’s degree in international politics from Penn State University in 2007, an MBA in supply chain management and managerial leadership from the University of San Diego in 2017 and a master’s degree focusing on the Indo-Pacific from the U.S. Naval War College in 2019.
Cushanick also earned a Doctor of Education in organizational change and leadership from the University of Southern California in 2024. His dissertation, ‘The Spouse Factor: How a Partner’s Career Impacts U.S. Navy Officer Retention,’ sought to understand the factors considered by military families – where one is a surface warfare officer and the other has a civilian career – when deciding whether to continue active military service.
Cushanick joined the Navy Reserve 18 years ago and is a captain assigned to the Reserve arm of Commander, Naval Surface Group Western Pacific. Cushanick mobilized on active duty from 2021 to 2022 with Special Operations Command as a deployed afloat officer in charge, and held command in the Reserve as a lieutenant, lieutenant commander, commander and captain.
The SAWS schoolhouse opened in 2024 as the culmination of the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) leadership’s plan to streamline operations and develop collaboration between the four warfare tactics instructor programs. SAWS hosts courses in Anti-Submarine/Surface Warfare, Integrated Air and Missile Defense, Amphibious Warfare and Mine Warfare, according to Navy officials.
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.
Cushanick has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during government and military service.
“I’m most proud of being the first Reservist to graduate from SMWDC’s Warfare Tactics Instructor course in 2019 and then being selected as SMWDC’s Civilian of the Year in 2023,” Cushanick said.
Cushanick serves and supports a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Being part of something larger than myself is humbling and energizing at the same time,” Cushanick said. “Service keeps me grounded and reminds me of what is important. There is nothing better than having a deep conversation with a sailor and helping them achieve their goals or work through a challenging time. Mentorship and coaching are the most fulfilling parts of my job.”
Cushanick is grateful to others for helping make a career in government service and the Navy Reserve possible.
“I would like to thank my Easton High School swim coach, Andy Burke, and YMCA of Talbot County manager, Taffie Wilson,” Cushanick said. “Both set me on a path for success and took the time to mentor me as I completed high school.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/
Cushanick serves and supports a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Being part of something larger than myself is humbling and energizing at the same time,” Cushanick said. “Service keeps me grounded and reminds me of what is important. There is nothing better than having a deep conversation with a sailor and helping them achieve their goals or work through a challenging time. Mentorship and coaching are the most fulfilling parts of my job.”
Cushanick is grateful to others for helping make a career in government service and the Navy Reserve possible.
“I would like to thank my Easton High School swim coach, Andy Burke, and YMCA of Talbot County manager, Taffie Wilson,” Cushanick said. “Both set me on a path for success and took the time to mentor me as I completed high school.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/