Rear Adm. Dixon is a native of Tampa, Fla. He is a 1981 graduate of Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He holds a Master of Science in Management (Human Relations) from the College of Saint Elizabeth and a Master of Business Administration (Entrepreneurial Studies) from Fairleigh Dickinson University both in Morris Town, N.J.

Dixon’s tours as a surface warfare officer included boilers/weapons officer, USS Preble (DDG-46); weapons officer, USS LaSalle (AGF-3); surface detailer, Bureau of Personnel; and watch officer, National Military Command Center.

Dixon’s tours included director, Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission-Navy and Marine; deputy commander Navy Region Northwest; he commanded Selective Service System 125, Commander, Naval Surfarce Forces (CNSF) Detachment 606; Afloat Culture Workshop for CNSF, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Detachment 109; Naval Beach Group Two, Inshore Boat Unit Two Three, and Gaining Command Liaison Officer Beach Master Unit Two.

In 1991, Dixon participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm as the operations officer for the United Nations Mission headquartered in Kuwait. He assisted in the establishment of checkpoints and managed the movement of all military and civilian personnel throughout Kuwait and Iraq. In 2003, 2008, and 2010 he was mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom responsible for protecting shipping in the Persian Gulf; Chief of Biometrics, with responsibility for all aspects of identification and verification, and director, Iraqi Training, Advising, Operations Mission-Navy and Marine building the Iraqi navy and marines.

Dixon’s decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various campaign, unit, and service awards including the prestigious Captain Leo V. Bilger Award for excellence in mission effectiveness, 2012 Distinguished and Outstanding Eagle Boy Scout Awards.