New Orleans Navy Week 2009 has the privilege of hosting Rear Admiral Victor G. Guillory Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Commander, U.S. 4th Fleet as our spokesperson this year. In addition of Rear Admiral Victor G. Guillory, there will be guest appearances from crewmembers of the USS New Mexico, Navy Band and other outstanding local Sailors.

Rear Admiral Victor G. Guillory Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Commander, U.S. 4th Fleet

Rear Admiral Victor G. Guillory, a native of New Orleans, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in Management and Technology. His early sea assignments were aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Towers (DDG 9), the guided-missile frigate USS Lewis B. Puller (FFG 23), the cruiser USS Vincennes (CG 49) and as the commissioning executive officer in the cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64). He commanded the guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) and the cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57).

Ashore, Guillory's assignments included a brief recruiting tour in his hometown of New Orleans and several Washington-area assignments including the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations as the Surface Warfare Division branch head for Combat Systems, and as the assistant deputy director for Surface Ships. He also served in the Joint Staff as the J-3, Current Readiness branch chief.

Guillory was selected for flag officer in early 2004 and assumed command of Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet and Amphibious Group 1 in October 2004. During this tour, he was responsible for Joint and Combined amphibious operations throughout the Western Pacific. In addition, he served as the deputy commander of U.S. Naval Forces for Combined Support Force 535 (Southeast Asia Tsunami Relief Operations) in early 2005.

In December 2006, Guillory returned to Washington D.C. and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations as the deputy director of Surface Warfare (OPNAV N86B). He assumed the duties as director of Surface Warfare in October 2007 and the responsibility for the warfighting requirements and resources for all surface combatant ships and combat systems. In June 2009, Guillory was selected to assume command of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet.

Guillory is a graduate of the National Defense University (Industrial College of the Armed Forces) and his personal awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Meritorious Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star and Combat "V" and various campaign medals. He is also the 2009 recipient of the Black Engineer of the Year Award for Leadership.

Rear Admiral
Victor G. Guillory

top of page

Captain Brian J. Harrison

Captain Brian J. Harrison is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering Technology and an Associate of Science degree in Instrumentation Technology. He received his commission through the Officer Candidate School Program in May of 1986.

Sea duty assignments include Electrical Officer, Safety Officer and First Division Officer aboard the USS GERMANTOWN (LSD 42), Mine Countermeasures Officer and First Lieutenant aboard the USS AFFRAY (MSO 511) and USS LEADER (MSO 490), Engineer Officer aboard the USS ARDENT (MCM 12) and USS HARPER’S FERRY (LSD 49), Executive Officer aboard USS RENTZ (FFG 46), Commanding Officer aboard USS STEPHEN W. GROVES (FFG 29) and Surface Operations Officers, Carrier Strike Group THREE.

Shore and Staff assignments include Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve Center Burlington Vermont, Force Maintenance Officer, Commander, Naval Surface Reserve Force Staff and Plans\Security Cooperation Officer, HQ U.S. European Command Staff and Navy War College where he was awarded a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.

His decorations include: Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Navy Commendation Medal (4), Navy Achievement Medal, Sea Service Ribbon (7) and various service and campaign ribbons.

Captain Brian J. Harrison

top of page

Captain William J. Snyder

Raised in Philmont and a 1981 graduate of Taconic Hills High School, Captain Snyder was commissioned an ensign through the Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps program after graduating with a bachelor’s in history from the University of Rochester.  He completed his multi-engine, fixed-wing training at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas and received his naval aviator wings in August 1986

Captain Snyder’s first operational squadron tour was in Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VQ-3), where he flew EC-130s from NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. Along with his designations as aircraft commander and mission commander, he also flew as a C-130 instructor pilot and mission commander evaluator.

Other operational squadron tours were in Fleet Logistics Support Squadrons (VR Squadrons), where he flew around the world in DC-9s with VR-51 from Naval Air Station Glenview, IL; VR-52 from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, PA; and as officer-in-charge of VR-61 on board Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

He had command of VR-59’s “Lonestar Express” at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas from August 2003 to August 2004.  His squadron was the first in the Navy to transition from the C-9B ‘Skytrain’ to the C-40A ‘Clipper’ (Boeing 737-700 derivative), and they went fully operational in December 2003 when he was XO.

Captain Snyder’s first shore duty assignment was in the Bureau of Naval Personnel at the Navy Annex near Washington, D.C. from 1990 to 1992, where he was a program manager in the aviation officer assignment division.  He later served as the C-9 Instructor pilot evaluator and model manager at Fleet Logistics Support Wing in Fort Worth, TX, and in a later tour was the VR program manager on the Commander, Naval Air Reserve Force staff in New Orleans from August 2001 to July 2002.

Following his command of VR-59, Captain Snyder and his family moved to Naples, Italy in October 2004.  He reported initially as the VR Liaison Officer to Commander, Sixth Fleet, and fleeted up to be the Chief Staff Officer of CTF-63 during his tour.

From July 2007 to July 2008 he attended the Senior Officer’s Course at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, before assuming command of Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans.

Captain Snyder has accumulated more than 5,300 mishap free flight hours in the C-40A, C-9B/DC-9, C-130T, T-44A, and T-34C aircraft.

His highest military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal (three awards).

Captain William J. Snyder

top of page

ENS Timothy Gressett

For Ensign Gressett, an alumnus of Tulane University whose time as an undergrad was punctuated by Hurricane Katrina, serving on the USS New Orleans has a special meaning. For New Orleans Navy Week (November 2-7), he’s returning to the city where he spent so many years as a student and is thrilled to be participating in events throughout the week. As an auxiliaries officer on the ship, his days are focused on managing maintenance and repairs on anything that’s “hydraulic, mechanical, operates wire rope or is in the galley.” During New Orleans Navy Week, he’ll get to spend some well-earned time on dry land, reconnecting with the city and culture he loves. Here are some of his thoughts on what Navy Week in New Orleans means to him:
Where it all began:
“Both my father and my mother were in the Navy, as well as both my grandfathers, so it’s a big tradition to my family. I am the first to be commissioned as an Officer on both sides.”
Most memorable experience in uniform:
“I distinctly remember riding into a San Diego harbor in a small inflated boat – with the wind and sea spray in my hair and the sun on my face – following an arduous three-week underway training period. That was a great feeling of satisfaction.”
Best thing about New Orleans:
“The best thing about going to school in New Orleans is the culture. New Orleans is one of the most colorful – literally, colorful – cities I’ve ever been to. I’ll walk down the street and see a house painted purple. It’s like someone gave a child a coloring book and said, ‘Have at it!’”
Personal definition of “Navy Week”:
“Navy Week is an opportunity to show a little bit of what the Navy does to non-Navy folks. It’s a pleasure to be a part of this event.”

For more information on Navy Week, and to learn about events where you can meet Sailors like Ensign Gressett, visit: www.navyweek.org/neworleans. You can also become a fan of Navy Weeks on Facebook. Just search “Navy Weeks” or follow this link.

ENS Timothy Gressett

top of page

Command Master Chief Jeffery Kozlik

As Command Master Chief and Senior Enlisted Advisor on the USS New Orleans, Jeffery Kozlik is a direct link between enlisted members and the ship’s commanding officer. He makes sure things run smoothly, by monitoring crew morale, welfare and job satisfaction, and managing discipline and training for the many Sailors under his guidance. Though born in Massachusetts, Command Master Chief Kozlik feels a strong tie to the city for which his ship is named. He’s glad to have a chance to give back to New Orleans during Navy Week (November 2-7). Here are some of his thoughts on service and community.
Where it all began:
“I grew up in a small town in Massachusetts and was looking to get away and find something more exciting to do. The Navy seemed like a good choice that would allow me to travel. I can honestly say that is was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Most memorable experience in uniform:
“Having been in the Navy for over 25 years, it is hard to isolate one particular experience. Without doubt, one of the proudest is the day that I was promoted to Chief Petty Officer and had the CPO anchors pinned to my uniform by my wife. Another memory that will never leave me is walking down the pier to go onboard the New Orleans for the first time. Knowing that I was going to be the command master chief of such a beautiful ship and be able to lead and work alongside its great crew was overwhelming.”
What Navy Week means to me:
“Navy Week allows us to give back to the community for which our ship was named. I’ve been to New Orleans once early in my career and absolutely love the city and its people.”

For more information on Navy Week, and to learn about events where you can meet Sailors like Command Master Chief Kozlik, visit: www.navyweek.org/neworleans. You can also become a fan of Navy Weeks on Facebook. Just search “Navy Weeks” or follow this link.

Command Master Chief Jeffery Kozlik

top of page

Petty Officer First Class Tomas Davila

Petty Officer First Class is a “plank owner” of the USS New Orleans, meaning he was a part of the ship’s crew even before the vessel was officially commissioned. This strong affinity for the ship extends to its namesake, the city of New Orleans. Davila called the city home for a short time while serving in the Navy and ever since has had a fondness for the place he calls the “Queen of the South.” He currently manages 13 technicians onboard the USS New Orleans but will get a break from troubleshooting computers and repairing navigation system on November 2-7, when he takes part in Navy Week. Here are some of his thoughts on Navy service and New Orleans:
Connection to New Orleans:
“I had the opportunity to live in New Orleans for a short time while at the pre-commissioning detachment. While there, I was amazed at the city’s charm and the hospitable nature of her people. I consider New Orleans as the Queen of the South and will always keep her close to my heart.”
Most memorable experience in uniform:
“The day I came home after my tour in Iraq; the sounds of my mother’s tears and my father’s joy will always stick with me. That day my dad, a Vietnam veteran, told me how proud he was of me and opened up for the first time about his times in the Army. Our relationship has only grown stronger since.”
What Navy Week means to me:
“Navy Week is a great opportunity for me to show others what it means to be in the Navy. To demonstrate how our core values – honor, courage and commitment – are not solely military terms but life values for anyone. Additionally, these events give communities a chance to see firsthand what we do and allow Sailors to express our appreciation for their support.”

Petty Officer First Class Tomas Davila

top of page

Petty Officer Third Class Johanna M. Mudge

As an air traffic controller for the Navy, Petty Officer Mudge guides planes and helicopters to safety on the runway. A native of Belle Chasse, La., she’s proud to be helping celebrate Navy Week in her hometown of New Orleans from November 2-7. Here are some of her thoughts on being a Sailor and what Navy Week means to her:
Where it all began:
“ I joined the Navy to see the world.  I also felt the need to do my time and serve my country.  I’m proud of the United States of America.  We live in the best country there is!”
Most memorable experience in uniform:
“At the 2009 N’awlins air show a small boy approached me and we talked about planes and what his favorites were. Near the end of the conversation, I asked him if he wanted to meet the Blue Angels. I introduced him to pilot #7, and he lit up like a Christmas tree. This small moment made my 10-hour day enjoyable and worth it.”
Personal definition of “Navy Week”:
“For me, Navy Week is more than just a few days, it’s a 24/7 job. My Shipmates are like family to me, and I look out for them as if they were my own. Navy week is every week in that sense.”

For more information on Navy Week, and to learn about events where you can meet Sailors like Petty Officer Mudge, visit: www.navyweek.org/neworleans. You can also become a fan of Navy Weeks on Facebook. Just search “Navy Weeks” or follow this link.

top of page

Seaman Devon Dejoie

If it’s on the deck of the USS New Orleans, Seaman Dejoie, a New Orleans native, has it covered. As a Deck Seaman he maintains equipment, operates a crane to lower small boats into the water and hoists stores and supplies onto the ship. He joined the Navy to travel, but he’s very glad to be coming home to New Orleans, where he will take part in Navy Week from November 2-7. Here are some of his thoughts on his military career and his hometown.
Where it all began:
“I have wanted to join the military since I was a small child. I chose the Navy for the travel experience and better quality of military life.”
Most memorable experience in uniform:
“In December of 2008 I traveled to New Orleans on leave to visit family for the Christmas holiday. While visiting, I went to my old elementary school in uniform and talked to the kids there about the Navy.”
What Navy Week means to me:
“I am always proud to be a U.S. Navy Sailor, but to go back to the place I am from and get a chance to represent the Navy and the USS New Orleans is a huge honor for me. I believe it will be one of my proudest moments.

Seaman Devon Dejoie

top of page