LCDR PONCE DE LEON CLAY, UNITED STATES NAVY 

 

LCDR Ponce D. Clay is a native of Detroit, Michigan, a 1988 graduate of Detroit Cass Technical High School, enlisting in the United States Navy in July of 1988.  

He is a 1995 graduate of Morehouse College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish. He attended Troy State University-Japan where he earned a Masters of Public Administration (Public Personnel Management) in 2001.  

He initially reported for duty to USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), completing a six -month world cruise, circumnavigating the globe. During the deployment Enterprise participated in Operation Classic Resolve, providing air support during the 1989 Philippine rebel coup attempt.  

Following his first tour, LCDR Clay then served at the Naval Station Panama Canal, assigned to the Navy Operations Center, Panama Canal.  

Returning to sea from April 1996 to April 1998, LCDR Clay served as First Lieutenant and Combat Information Center Officer in USS DEWERT (FFG 45), a Guided Missile Frigate, where he deployed to South America in support of UNITAS XXXVIII . 

In April 1998 to May 1999, LCDR Clay served in destroyer USS CARNEY (DDG 64) as Navigator and Administration Officer, where in addition to performing duties, he was recognized by Ebony Magazine as one of the nation’s “Thirty Leaders under 30”.  

From July 1999 until July 2001, he was Staff Plans/Assistant Operations Officer/Force Protection Officer to Commander, Military Sealift Command-Far East in Yokohama, Japan.  

After attending Surface Warfare Department Head School, LCDR Clay reported as Combat Systems Officer in USS KLAKRING (FFG 42). While assigned, KLAKRING operated extensively throughout the Caribbean and South America, conducting the largest maritime seizure of cocaine during Counter Narcotics Operations 2002. 

Returning to shore, LCDR Clay was assigned as Navy ROTC Coordinator and Diversity Programs Officer, Navy Recruiting District, Jacksonville.  

From August 2003 until Dec 2004, LCDR Clay, was assigned as Training Officer/Department Head in USS WASP (LHD-1), Flagship for Expeditionary Strike Group Two. LCDR Clay, deployed in support of our Nation's Global War against Terrorism, participating in OPERATIONS IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM and SEA DRAGON. 

In Jan 2005, he reported to his current assignment on the Staff of the Navy Personnel Command as the Placement Officer for War Colleges and Special Fellowships.  

Personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal(three awards), and various unit, campaign, and service medals. He is the eldest son of Ms. M. B. Clay of Detroit, Michigan.