Commander Bonita Autrey is a native of Bronx, New York. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, in 1986 from Hampton University, Hampton, VA, she was commissioned an Ensign through the Hampton Roads Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC).

 Her first tour of duty was at Naval Base Norfolk, Virginia, as the assistant billeting division officer. In 1989 CDR Autrey served as the Area Minority Recruiting Officer (AMRO), at Navy Recruiting Area Eight, Oakland, California. As the AMRO, she was responsible for the recruitment of minority men and women for all Officer Programs in ten western states, Guam and the Philippines. She also monitored minority recruitment statistics for five districts. In 1992, Commander Autrey received orders to the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, where she received her Masters of Arts Degree in National Security Affairs, Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

 In 1994, Commander Autrey reported to Naval Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba as the Security Director and in July 1995 she was assigned to her first Washington tour at the Bureau of Naval Personnel, as the Head of the Navy Deserter Apprehension Branch. In February 1996, Commander Autrey reported to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as a Politico-Military Officer for Middle East/Africa Affairs, in the J-8 Studies Analysis and Gaming Division.

 In 1997, Commander Autrey was among the first group of officers selected for the Navy’s Foreign Area Officer Program (FAO). In 1999, Commander Autrey received orders to the Naval War College Newport, Rhode Island, where she received her second Masters, in National Security Affairs and Strategic Studies. In May 2000, she was assigned as the Executive Officer for Naval Support Activity Washington, Washington, DC. In 2002 she was assigned for a second tour to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as a doctrine planner for the J-7 Directorate for Operational Plans and Force Development. In 2005, Commander Autrey reported to Secretary of the Navy Council Review Boards as a Recorder for the Naval Discharge Review Board. 

  Commander Autrey retired in March 2007 after serving twenty years.  Having met all requirements for certification as a Navy JROTC Instructor, she accepted the position of Senior Naval Science Instructor at Friendly High School in August of 2010. 

 Commander Autrey’s personal awards and military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Navy Commendation Medal with gold star; Joint Service Achievement Medal; Navy Achievement Medal; Joint Meritorious Unit Award with oak leaf; Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation with bronze star; National Defense Service Medal with bronze star; the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Navy Oversea Service ribbon, Navy Recruiting ribbon, and Coast Guard Special Operations