In honor of Veterans Day, we welcomed back to campus a very special guest, John K. “Jake” Ross (Capt. USN, Ret.), SCDS Class of 1972. Captain Ross retired from the Navy after a career that included command of the oceangoing minesweeper USS FEARLESS (MSO 442), the Aegis guided-missile destroyer USS JOHN S. MCCAIN (DDG 56), and the Aegis cruiser USS PRINCETON (CG 59). He later served in Washington on the Joint Staff and as the Naval Aide to President George H.W. Bush.

During his time today on campus, Capt. Ross spoke at two special assemblies and recounted his path into the military, his life of travel throughout 65 countries, and several of his influences from SCDS, including Ms. Harper and Mr. Schmidt.

A heartfelt thank you to Capt. Ross and all military veterans who serve or have served our country and play a role in our nation’s history.