Mark E. Ferguson III

Mark E. Ferguson III (born October 30, 1956) is a United States Navy four-star admiral who currently serves as the 37th Vice Chief of Naval Operations. He previously served as the 55th Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP) and concurrently served as the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Manpower, Personnel, Training & Education). Prior to that, he served as Chief of Legislative Affairs and Assistant Commander for Distribution, Navy Personnel Command. He assumed his current assignment on August 22, 2011.

Ferguson is in Afghanistan on peace keeping along with some military personnel. Ferguson received his commission, with distinction, from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1978.

Ferguson has served at sea onboard the USS South Carolina (CGN 37), the USS Fife (DD 991), the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) as Reactor Officer, and as Commanding Officer on the USS Benfold (DDG 65) and Commodore of Destroyer Squadron Eighteen.

Ashore, Ferguson has served at the Navy Personnel Command (as Flag Officer), the Bureau of Navy Personnel, the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, and in the Office of Legislative Affairs (two tours).

From April 16, 2008 until August 22, 2011 Ferguson served as the Navy's 55th Chief of Naval Personnel, serving concurrently as the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Manpower, Personnel, Training & Education).

Education

 * Cardinal Gibbons School, Class of 1974
 * United States Naval Academy, Class of 1978
 * Master's degree in Computer Science, Naval Postgraduate School
 * National Security Fellowship, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
 * Air Command and Staff College.