Upon graduation from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Mr. Cole served in the U.S. Navy for more than 32 years, retiring in 2004 as a Rear Admiral (O-8). A Naval Aviator during his career, he commanded two helicopter squadrons and two amphibious ships, the USS El Paso (LKA 117) and USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). As a Flag Officer, Mr. Cole was the commander of two Navy Regions, one in the Republic of Korea and one in Norfolk, Va. His final Navy assignment was as Director of Ashore Readiness for the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N46). Mr. Cole currently serves as the Executive Director of the Association of the United States Navy and President of the Navy Safe Harbor Foundation which provides direct support to our wounded, ill, and injured sailors and Coast Guardsmen and their families. Mr. Cole and his wife Kathy reside in Vienna, Va. They are the parents of three daughters, Elizabeth, Emily and Sarah.