COMMANDER JOHN W. SIMMS IV U.S. NAVY DIRECTOR National Ice Center COMMANDING OFFICER Naval Ice Center (NAVICECEN)

Commander Simms enlisted in the Navy in 1987. He completed Basic Training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes followed by Basic Enlisted Submarine School, Polaris Electronics "A" School, and Trident C-4 Fire Control Ballistic "C" School. In 1988, he reported to the USS CASIMIR PULASKI (SSBN 633 GOLD) where he served as a Missile Control Center Supervisor and Chief of the Watch, completing four FBM strategic deterrent patrols. In 1991, he was selected into the Enlisted Commissioning Program and attended the University of South Carolina.

Commander Simms graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1994 with a B.S. in Marine Science (Physical Oceanography) Cum Laude. He received a M.S. in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2000. His thesis work involved a composite study of the Madden-Julian Oscillation and northeasterly cold surges during the Northern Winter Monsoon. He recently received his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi and earned the 2010 University of Southern Mississippi's MBA Excellence Award.

Commander Simms received his commission through NROTC program in 1994 and was designated as a Naval Oceanographer. He served in a wide variety of tours providing meteorological and oceanographic support to U.S. Navy fleet operations and units globally.

His first assignment was the Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Center in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii where he served as a Forecast Duty Officer and Command Duty Officer supporting operations in COMTHIRDFLT, COMFIFTHFLT, and COMSEVENTHFLT through 1997.

Other leadership tours include Fleet Liaison Officer at Naval Atlantic Meteorology and Oceanography Center in Norfolk, Virginia from 2000-2003, Deputy Director of Oceanographic Operations Anti-submarine Warfare at Naval Oceanography Operations Command, Stennis Space Center, Mississippi from 2005-2006, Executive Officer of Naval Oceanography Anti-submarine Warfare Center, Stennis Space Center, Mississippi from 2006-2008, and Deputy Chief of Staff at Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, Stennis Space Center, Mississippi from 2008-2010.

Fleet operational experiences include a sea tour on USS IWO JIMA (LHD-7) from 2003-2005, where he earned his Surface Warfare Officer, Officer of the Deck, and Debark Control Officer qualifications. He served as Assistant Operations Officer, Ship's Oceanographer, and Staff Oceanographer for Commander, Amphibious Squadron Two.

Personal Awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit and service awards.