Senior Naval Science Instructor

Commander Dustin Martin, USN (Ret)

Commander Martin was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. He is a graduate of Norwich University Military College of New England and was commissioned as an Ensign through NROTC.  Following flight training, he was designated a Naval Flight Officer in April 1993.

Following initial P-3C training with Patrol Squadron THIRTY, Commander Martin joined the White Lightnings of Patrol Squadron SEVENTEEN (VP-17), NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. After completing one deployment to Diego Garcia and the disestablishment of VP-17, Commander Martin reported aboard the Golden Eagles of Patrol Squadron NINE (VP-9), conducting two deployments to the FIFTH Fleet and SEVENTH fleet AORs.   During his tour with VP-17 and VP-9, he served as the Public Affairs Officer, Anti-Submarine Tactical Officer, Weapons Officer, and Assistant Training Officer, while qualifying as Patrol Plane Tactical Coordinator (TACCO), Mission Commander, and Instructor TACCO.

In December 1997, Commander Martin reported to Commander, Task Group SEVENTY TWO POINT TWO, Kadena, Japan. During this tour, he served as Battle Watch Captain and Operations Officer. As Operations Officer, he planned and executed the first-ever successful intercept and prosecution of a counter-seaborne infiltration vessel into South Korea, leading to the capture of North Korean subversives.

In April 2000, Commander Martin next reported aboard Patrol Squadron Special Projects Unit ONE, based at NAS Brunswick, Maine. During this tour, he served as Flight Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, and Training Officer. Additionally, he qualified as Special Projects Sensor Coordinator, Mission Commander, and Fleet NATOPS NFO Evaluator.  While assigned, he conducted numerous worldwide detachments in support of the Global War on Terror, including combat missions over Afghanistan.

In June 2003, he reported to the Red Lancers of VP-10 for his Department Head Tour.  While assigned, he completed a Caribbean, North Atlantic, and Mediterranean deployment, serving as the Tactics Officer, JIATF-East LNO, and Operations Officer. As Operations Officer, the squadron executed over 700 sorties and 2,900 flight hours while meeting all readiness and critical tactical objectives.

In June 2005, Commander Martin reported to Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TWO, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii as the Tactical Support Center Officer in Charge (TSC OIC) and Wing N6.  As TSC OIC, Commander Martin supported numerous exercises, including Terminal Fury and RIMPAC 2006 / 2008. During this tour, CDR Martin completed his Joint Professional Military Education with the Naval War College Distance Education program.

In September 2008, he next reported to COMUSNAVCENT/FIFTH Fleet as the Current Operations Officer, where he executed coalition and U.S.-led deliberate crisis planning and synchronized operations across four lines of operation in Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, and the Somali Basin. He was also selected to lead the creation of an integrated Battle Watch Center, designed to improve the Commander’s ability to direct forces at the Operational Level of War. 

In September 2009, he was assigned his final active-duty assignment as War Game Director and Military Professor in the War Gaming Department of the Center for Naval Warfare Studies at the US Naval War College in Newport, RI. While assigned to the War College, he served as the lead subject matter expert and action officer for Latin American support, leading the U.S. delegation’s efforts during five war games and three seminars by working closely with 12 international war colleges and numerous foreign military officers throughout the Americas.

In June 2010, Commander Martin was awarded the degree of Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies with Distinction from the United States Naval War College.

In September 2013, Commander Martin retired from active duty after 22 and a half years of service.

Commander Martin’s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Air Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards, one with Combat Valor), and the Navy Achievement Medal, along with various unit and campaign awards.