<p>Dear USNA Faculty and Staff and Brigade of Midshipmen</p>
<p>After interviewing a number of outstanding candidates, I have selected CAPT
Robert E. Clark II, Naval Academy Class of 1984, to serve as the 84th
Commandant of Midshipmen.</p>
<p>CAPT Bob Clark is a career submarine officer with an impressive record both
at sea and ashore. A native of West Chester, Pa., in 2007 he was inducted
into the West Chester East High School Hall of Fame. After attending the
Naval Academy Preparatory School, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in
Engineering from the Naval Academy. He also holds a Masters of Science
degree in National Security Affairs from the Naval Post Graduate School,
attended the Armed Forces Staff College, and completed the Air Force's Air
Command and Staff College Seminar course.</p>
<p>In 2008, Captain Clark took command of Submarine Squadron 4, the Navy's
largest fast attack squadron, composed of both Los Angeles and Virginia
Class submarines. Prior to that, he served as commanding officer of the USS
Connecticut (SSN 22), leading his crew to earn Retention Honor Roll awards
as well as a back-to-back Meritorious Unit Commendation and Navy Unit
Commendation. Please join me in welcoming Captain Clark, his wife Ruth Ann
and their two sons to the Yard.</p>
<p>With CAPT Clark's anticipated arrival we will soon say farewell to Matt &
Marylee Klunder and their family. We are currently waiting for the Navy's
announcement on RDML (sel.) Klunder's next assignment, and I anticipate that
the Commandant turn over will take place sometime in April.</p>
<p>With his outgoing and enthusiastic personality RDML(Sel) Klunder has set an
incredible tone for our Brigade, increasing morale and esprit de corps, and
fostering unparalleled excitement for the careers that await our midshipmen
upon commissioning. As a result of his efforts, under his watch the Naval
Academy has continued to succeed in its mission, graduating selfless,
inspirational, proficient, adaptable, innovative, and professional leaders
to serve our nation.</p>
<p>Please give Captain Clark and Captain Klunder your full support during this
transition and take the time to thank the Klunder family for their
commitment to service.</p>
<p>Jeff Fowler
VADM USN
Superintendent</p>
<p>And the official release ...</p>
<p>NEW USNA COMMANDANT OF MIDSHIPMEN ANNOUNCED</p>
<p>ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Naval Academy superintendent Vice Adm. Jeffrey Fowler
announced today that Navy Capt. Robert E. Clark II, a USNA Class of 1984
graduate, has been selected to be the 84th Commandant of Midshipmen at the
U.S. Naval Academy. As commandant, Clark will be responsible for the
military and professional development of the approximately 4,400-member
Brigade of Midshipmen.</p>
<p>"I am absolutely thrilled and honored to receive this assignment and look
forward to mentoring and developing the future leaders of our great Navy and
Marine Corps team," said Clark.</p>
<p>A resident of West Chester, Pa., and a 2007 inductee into the West Chester
East High School Hall of Fame, Clark entered the U.S. Naval Academy after
attending the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School. Clark holds a Bachelor
of Science degree in engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and a Masters
of Science degree in national security affairs from the Naval Post Graduate
School, where he received the Naval Institute Award for his thesis work.</p>
<p>Clark currently commands Submarine Squadron 4 in Groton, Ct. Throughout his
career he has served on several fast attack submarines, including having
command of the USS Connecticut (SSN 22).</p>
<p>Clark's operational experience also includes sea tours as the submarine
operations officer for Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group Eight, and a
period where he served as the deputy undersea warfare commander for the
George Washington Battle Group.</p>
<p>Ashore, Clark served in a variety of major staff and joint assignments,
including a tour as the special assistant to the Director of Submarine
Warfare for Plans, Liaison, and Assessments, and most recently as the deputy
executive assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.</p>
<p>Clark will relieve Capt. Matthew Klunder who has been commandant since June
6, 2008, and was selected for Rear Admiral (lower half) in June 2009.
Klunder, is a graduate of the USNA Class of 1982. Klunder's next assignment
has not been announced.</p>
<p>The full military biographies and photos of Klunder and Clark can be
requested through <a href="mailto:mediarelations@usna.edu">mediarelations@usna.edu</a>. For more information on the
Naval Academy, visit United</a> States Naval Academy - Home Page.</p>
<p>More information regarding Capt. Clark's report date will be released as it
becomes available.
USNA</p>