Commander Michael L.
Fair
Chief Staff Officer, U.S. Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
CDR Michael L.
Fair was raised in Palatka, Fla., and graduated from Palatka Senior High
School. He enlisted as a Seaman Recruit in the U.S. Navy and attended
Basic Training at Recruit Training Command Orlando, Fla., in July 1970.
After basic training, he reported to the USS Tringa (ASR 16), where he
completed the first of ten deployments to the Sixth Fleet. In 1972, he
reported to Naval Station Key West, Fla., as Assistant Tugmaster.
In July 1974, he reported to the USS Charles F. Adams (DDG 2),
homeported in Mayport, Fla., where he advanced to Boatswain’s Mate First
Class and attained Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS). In January
1979, he reported to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga., and qualified as
Tug Master YTB-789.
CDR Fair received his commission as a Limited Duty Officer Ensign in
April 1980. His first assignment as a commissioned officer was as First
Lieutenant/Salvage Officer on board USS Recovery (ARS 43), where he
completed qualifications as Surface Warfare Officer.
From July 1983 to July 1985, CDR Fair served as the Base Security
Officer at Naval Station Mayport, Fla. In August 1985, he reported to the
USS Nashville (LPD 13) where he served as First Lieutenant until March
1989.
He was selected into the College Degree Program and attended St. Leo
College at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., where he attained a
Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Human Resource Administration. CDR Fair
returned to sea as ship’s First Lieutenant on board USS Ponce (LPD 15),
from January 1991 to November 1993.
In December 1993, he reported to U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba as the Port Services Officer until August 1995. He then served as
Port Operations Officer at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., from August
1995 until August 1998.
In September 1998, he reported to Naval Technical Training Center
(NTTC) Corry Station in Pensacola, Fla., as Director of Electronic Warfare
and Technology School. He also served as Director of Training and
Executive Officer of NTTC Corry Station.
In April 2001, CDR Fair became the Chief Staff Officer of U.S. Naval
Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
CDR Fair has qualified as both Surface Warfare Officer and Enlisted
Surface Warfare. Personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (3
awards), Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy Achievement Medal (3
awards), Good Conduct Medal (2 awards) and various unit and service
awards.
