INSTRUCTORS

Chief Warrant Officer Karl Knippa

U.S. NAVY (Retired)

Chief Warrant Officer Knippa was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas. He enlisted in the United States Navy in August 2000, attending basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon graduating basic training, he attended Gunners Mate “A” school and follow on advanced training schools. He has earned a bachelor’s degree in technology management from Excelsior University. 

Chief Warrant Officer’s Sea duty assignments include USS McInerney (FFG-8), USS Roosevelt (DDG-80), USS Reuben James (FFG-57), and USS Carney (DDG-64). In 2018 he commissioned and completed his sea tours as Systems Test Officer onboard USS Chafee (DDG-90) and USS Preble (DDG-88). His shore assignments included tour of recruiting with NRD San Antonio at NRS San Marcos, Anti-Terrorism and Explosive Safety Lead at Afloat Training Group Mayport where he qualified as Master Training and Afloat Training Specialist. His last tour was Minefield Planning Officer and Communications Branch Head at Surface Mine Warfare Development Center Mine Countermeasures Technical Division in San Diego, CA. 

Chief Warrant Officer Knippa retired after 25 years of military service. His personal decorations include Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal (eight awards), and various campaign unit awards.

Chief Warrant Officer Knippa will be starting his first year as Senior Naval Science Instructor for the school year 2025/2026.

SENIOR CHIEF PHIL DEL REAL

U.S. NAVY (Retired)

Senior Chief Del Real was raised in Chicago, Illinois. He enlisted in the United States Navy on March 1994, attending basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Excelsior University. He is also a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

 Senior Chief Del Real’s duty assignments include USS Copeland (FFG-25), USS Coronado (AGF-11), USS Peleliu (LHA-5) as Division Leading Chief Petty Officer, Riverine Squadron Three as Platoon Commander, Technical training school Instructor at Service School Command, Great Lakes where he qualified Master Training Specialist. He also served as Recruiter in Charge at Navy Recruiting station McAlester, Oklahoma, where he received station of the year honors. And Recruit Training Command Great Lakes Illinois where he served as Division Commander and Fleet Leading Supervisor for over 800 recruits.    

 Senior Chief Del Real retired after 23 years of military service. His personal decorations include Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy Achievement Medal (seven awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation (two awards), Good Conduct Medal (six awards), Volunteer Service Medal, National Defense Medal (two awards), Global War on Terrorist Service and Expeditionary Medals.

Senior Chief Del Real will be starting his 9th year teaching as a Naval Science Instructor for the school year 2025/2026.