LCDR Benson enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduation from high school.
He attained the rate of Tradevman First Class (E-6), serving in a number of
aviation and surface commands including
VP-40 (P5M-2S ASW seaplanes), NAS Sangley Point, RP
(TD2), and USS Intrepid (CVA-11) home ported in Norfolk, VA.
His last active duty assignment was Fleet Anti-Air Warfare Training
Center, Dam Neck, VA.
After his discharge from the U. S. Navy, LCDR Benson enlisted in the Naval Reserve and attained the rate of
Chief Data Processing Technician (E-7) before commissioning as CWO-2
(ElecTech). As a CWO-2, LCDR Benson served as Executive Officer,
NR TELCOM 307 and completed the Prospective Electronic Material Officer course,
Fleet Training Center Norfolk, VA. LCDR Benson was "deep selected" for promotion to CWO-3.
In 1983, LCDR Benson was commissioned LTJG, Limited Duty (Surface Electronics) serving
in a number of Naval Reserve units. Upon promotion to LT, he was assigned as
Executive Office, NR SIMA 307. LCDR Benson was selected to command NR SIMA 307. During this command
tour, his unit was authorized to wear the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon
for activities in support of Operation Desert Storm while attached to SIMA Norfolk, VA.
He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in 1991. Upon completion of his command tour, LCDR Benson
was assigned to NR Military Sealift Command 107 and qualified to serve as MSCO
Ship Operations Officer.
LCDR Benson's last Naval Reserve assignment was Executive Officer of NR NCTAMSLANT 306 assigned to
NCTAMSLANT Norfolk, VA. He also served as
SPECIAL PROJECTS OFFICER - Advanced Combat
Direction System Block 1 Software Modernization Project (Code D2A1R) sponsored by the
Navy Program Executive Office, Theater Air Defense, Washington, DC.
LCDR Benson retired from the Navy on 1 January 1997.
His military awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (2 awards), Navy Achievment Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal (two awards), Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation,
Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (Silver Hourglass), National Defense Service Medal (two awards), and Navy Pistol (Sharpshooter) ribbon.
Medals
Ribbons
