Capt. John Madden, left, was relieved as commanding officer of Fleet Training Center by Capt. Douglas McDonald during a April 28 ceremony. -Photo courtesy of FTC

New CO For Fleet Training Center

From FTC

Capt. John Madden was relieved by Capt. Douglas McDonald as commanding officer of Fleet Training Center (FTC) during a change of command ceremony on April 28.

McDonald graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in May 1976. Commissioned as an ensign, he was initially assigned as Navigator on board USS Agerholm (DD 826).

After decommissioning Agerholm in December 1978, he was ordered to the commissioning crew of USS Harry W. Hill (DD 986) as Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer.

Continuing to work in the field of ASW, McDonald reported in April 1981 to Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center, Pacific, as an instructor in the tactical training department. While serving there, he earned a subspecialty in ASW and completed a Master of Science degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California.

Upon graduating from Department Head School in 1983, McDonald reported to USS Buchanan (DDG 14) as Weapons Officer and in April 1985, was assigned to USS Antietam (CG 54) as commissioning Combat Systems Officer.

During this tour, he spearheaded the successful completion of numerous Combat System operational tests, including the launch of 30 SM-2 (MR) BLK II standard missiles and the deployment of the first Towed Array Sonar System (SQR-19) on an Aegis class cruiser. In August 1988, he assumed duties of executive officer on USS Vincennes (CG 49). Reporting aboard approximately four weeks after the Vincennes engagement of the Iranian airbus, McDonald was deeply involved in subsequent briefings and analysis.

McDonald reported to Tactical Training Group, Pacific, as the Surface Anti-warfare Officer and Tomahawk Cruise Missile Chairman in March 1990.

While there, he developed and instructed the (TLAM) Tactical Commander's Course and trained numerous commanding officers, executive officers and battle group staffs in AAW and strike warfare. He began pipeline training as prospective commanding officer of USS Laboon (DDG 58) in January 1993.

After conducting his change of command in the northern Arabian Gulf in August 1996, just three days before his combat ready unit successfully launched a TLAM strike into Iraq, McDonald reported to the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He worked for the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation as the assistant for Maritime Warfare Systems. McDonald assumed Command of Afloat Training Group Mayport May 2000.

Madden is now in route to serve at COMNAVSURFGRU2, where he will spend his next tour of duty. Madden received his commission from the U.S Naval Academy in 1979 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in International Security Affairs.

Madden reported to USS Butte (AE 27) in 1980 and Madden split-toured to USS Jesse L. Brown (FF 1089) as Combat Information Center Officer in 1982.

Madden transferred to Navy Recruiting District, New Jersey as Officer Programs Officer. Upon completion of Department Head School, he was assigned as Operations Officer on USS Elmer Montgomery (FF 1082) and on to the staff of COMDESRON Eight in 1988 as Operations Officer and Scheduler.

He reported to USS Aubrey Fitch (FFG 34) as executive officer in 1992 and completed all training and operational work-ups for Joint Task Group (JTG) America MED 3-93 deployment.

Upon completion of his executive officer tour, he attended the Naval War College and received a Master's degree in Security and Strategic Studies.

In 1994 he was assigned to the U. S. Transportation Com-mand (USCINCTRANS) as CINC briefer and Team Chief in the J3/J4 Operations/Logistics Directorate.

Madden reported as Deputy Commander and subsequently Commander, Afloat Training Group, Mayport in 2000. In May 2001, he reported to Fleet Training Center, Mayport as commanding officer.