CAPT Richard Payne is a native of Pampa, Texas and Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of ’97 graduate of Texas A&M University in College Station. He received his commission through Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) in 1998 and earned his Wings of Gold in 1999. He holds a bachelors degree in History from Texas A&M and a Masters of National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.

Lieutenant Commander Erin Sherry is a native of  Idaho, and commissioned in August 2002 at University of Idaho NROTC with B.A. in International Studies and French.  She earned her M.A. in International Peace and Conflict Resolution focusing in International Security from American Military University in January 2009.

Command Master Chief Maurice Coffey is a native of Chicago, Ill. Upon graduation from Lindblom Technical High School in Chicago, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 18, 1989.