Professor John “J. R.” Mathis teaches the Maritime Staff Operators Course, lecturing and moderating seminars on Joint concepts and capabilities, maritime command and control, operational planning and execution.
Professor Mathis, a Wisconsin native, graduated from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, earning a BA in Law Enforcement in 1979. He attended Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida receiving his commission in 1981. He is a 1995 graduate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a MAS in Aviation Operations and Management; and a 2000 graduate from the U.S. Naval War College, earning an MA in National Security and Strategic Studies. Additionally, he is completing his PhD dissertation at Salve Regina University.
His sea tours include EA-6B Prowler squadrons VAQ-136, Atsugi, Japan (1983-1986); VAQ-139, Whidbey Island, WA (1989-1992); and as Commanding Officer, VAQ-136, Atsugi, Japan (1996-1999). His shore tours include fleet replacement squadron VAQ-129, Whidbey Island, WA (1986-1989); JCS National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC), Offutt AFB, NE (1992-1996); Command Leadership School, Newport, RI (2000-2003); and Naval War College, Newport, RI (2003-2011). He has over 3,100 flight hours and more than 880 arrested landings. He retired after 30 years of service as a Navy Captain.