Robert Ayer is the Naval War College Press Managing Editor. He has taught extensively and held administrative positions at the Coast Guard Academy. While at Defense Security Service and the Food and Drug Administration, he served as a technical writing editor. On active duty, he served as a deck watch officer on Coast Guard Cutter (CGC) Vigilant (WMEC 617) and subsequently as commanding officer on CGC Point Knoll (WPB 82364). He earned a master of arts in law and diplomacy, and a doctorate from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 1979.