Rear Adm. Jackson entered the United States Naval Academy in July 1984. She graduated with the Class of 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics with an emphasis in Oceanography. Jackson earned a graduate degree from George Washington University in Engineering Management and is qualified as a Joint Specialty Officer.
At sea, Jackson has served in ships in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets with deployed operations in the Atlantic, Caribbean, Arabian Gulf, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, and Western Pacific areas of operation. Her sea assignments include Assistant Operations Officer and Navigator on USS Willamette (AO 180); Operations Officer on USS Briscoe (DD 977); Operations Officer on USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); and Executive Officer on USS Stout (DDG 55). Jackson commanded USS McFaul (DDG 74) and during deployment served as the Flagship for CTF158 in the North Arabian Gulf.
Her assignments ashore include Seamanship and Navigation Instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy; Theater Air and Missile Defense Officer at U.S. Joint Forces Command; Flag Secretary to Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Atlantic Fleet; and Head, Surface Junior Officer Assignments (PERS 412) at Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee. Jackson served as Executive Officer at Naval Station Norfolk, and subsequently commanded Naval Station Norfolk. She then served as Chief of Staff to Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. She assumed command of Commander, Navy Region Southeast in July 2014.
Her personal decorations include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards) and various unit citations and campaign medals.
