Rear Admiral Clifford S. "Cliff" Sharpe

Rear Adm. Sharpe is a native of Lumberton, N.C., and a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Afloat, Sharpe commanded Carrier Strike Group Eight, Destroyer Squadron Two, USS Stout (DDG 55), and (MCM) Rotational Crew Echo. Earlier sea duty includes Commander, Destroyer Squadron 22, USS Thomas C. Hart (FF 1092), as well as his initial sea assignment upon completion of Officer Candidate School in USS Josephus Daniels (CG 27).

Ashore, Sharpe served at the Naval Personnel Command and on the Joint Staff, Washington, in the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (J-5). Previous shore assignments include Surface Warfare Officer Community manager and instructor duty at both the Surface Warfare Officer School and at the Naval Academy Preparatory School. His first flag assignment was commander, Naval Service Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

Sharpe holds a Master of Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island. He attended the Naval War College where he graduated with distinction and served as the U.S. representative to the Naval Staff College (Class 47), a program of work, travel and study with international officers.

Sharpe assumed duties as Chief Operating Officer of Naval Education and Training Command in October of 2011.