Professor Ross is a retired Royal Navy Commander. Joined the Royal Navy in 1975 and, after completion of basic training and a BS in Marine Zoology and Oceanography, he served variously in HM Ships around the world, from 1976 until 1996, when he arrived in Newport. He has taught ever since on the JMO Faculty, where he gained a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the War College in 1998. Following his retirement from active duty in Feb 2000, Professor Ross and his family settled in the U.S., and he has continued with his teaching and research activities. In 2005, he gained a second Masters Degree, this time in European History from Providence College.