Rear Adm. Stephen D. Barnett is a native of Columbia, Tennessee. He is an alumnus of Tennessee State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, and Troy State University where he earned his Master of Business Administration. He earned his commission at Aviation Officer Candidate School in 1991.

Capt. Edward "Alan" Schrader graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. Additionally, he holds a Master of Science from the University of Colorado in Electrical Engineering.

Command Master Chief Jason Dunn, a native of Columbus, Ohio, attended basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois in 1991. He attended Fire Controlman “A” School and subsequently completed Tomahawk “C” School in San Diego, California.