Morehouse Alumnus Receives 2013 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award

CDR BOBBY L. HAND, JR.  2013 BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT

Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic (NCTAMS LANT) Operations Officer, Commander Bobby L. Hand Jr., was awarded the 2013 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award for his outstanding leadership, superior professionalism, vast technical and strategic knowledge of military operations, programmatic experience significantly improved communications services, and achieving the highest level of operations readiness for forces in the Fleet Forces, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Fleet areas of responsibility.

Born in Fort Gordon, Georgia, Commander Hand earned a Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College in 1995.  He received his commission to Ensign through the Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship program.  His first tour as a Surface Warfare Office was on the USS OAK HILL (LSD 51).

Commander Hand addressed the Morehouse College ROTC unit following the visit of President Barack Obama to the campus.
Morehouse Alumnus Commander Bobby Hand addressed the Morehouse College ROTC unit following the visit of President Barack Obama to the campus.

He has since served onboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) as the Assistant Damage Control Assistant, with the OPNAV N4 staff as the Information Systems Security Office, with the Undersecretary of the Navy’s Office of Process, Technology, and Information as the Deputy Operations Office, with Naval Communications Security Material Systems as the Executive Officer, aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) with Carrier Strike Group TWELVE as the Deputy N6 and Communications Officer, with the White House Communications Agency as Commander, 2nd Presidential Communications Command, and in his present billet at NCTAMS PAC as the Operations Officer.

Commander Hand is a graduate of Navy Legal Officer School, Commanding Officer/Executive Officer Leadership Training, and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence Systems Engineering/ Communications Management, holds a Master of Science in Information Technology Management from Webster University, and in 2002, he was selected for re-designation to the Information Professional community.

As Commander, 2nd Presidential Communications Command, he flawlessly led 102 Joint Service personnel in the execution of 208 high tempo deployments to 27 countries and 42 states providing full spectrum communications support to the President, staff, and the U.S. Secret Service.  He skillfully managed the President’s communications personally and provided extraordinary service for the most sensitive and time critical missions of our national leadership.

He innovatively implemented new Presidential Limousine Communications Operations procedures with Secret Service transportation and the Agency’s Plans Section, which improved processes and efficiency for the Commander-in-Chief’s mobile communications.  Also, he created and institutionalized a revised unit training program fostering individual professional development and self-improvement, which resulted in 51 Officer and enlisted promotions.

President Barack Obama, CDR Shaun Hand CAU C/O 1995  and CDR Bobby Hand.
President Barack Obama, CDR Shaun Hand CAU C/O 1995 and CDR Bobby Hand.

As NCTAMS LANT Operations Officer, he flawlessly managed a department that is larger than most Commands; over 400 officers, Sailors, and civilian employees which excel under his charge.  Professionalism, mentorship and a laser focus on mission excellence are his hallmarks.

Under his leadership, the Operations Department had 85 percent retention, 7 Intermediate Qualified Information Professional officers, 70 Enlisted Information Dominance Warfare Specialist qualifications, and 166 Information Assurance certifications leading to 57 Navy Enlisted Classification designations enabling his Sailors to receive significant re-enlistment bonuses.

An accomplished Morehouse graduate and decorated Commander, Bobby Hand has made many significant contributions in the federal government. Way to go, Morehouse Man!
An accomplished Morehouse graduate and decorated Commander, Bobby Hand has made many significant contributions in the federal government. Way to go, Morehouse Man!

CDR Hand is at the forefront of Information Dominance Corps leadership in the Navy due to his unmatched strategic vision, tenacity, and ability to achieve outstanding results.  His impact on naval communications and cyber operations is unmatched and will have lasting effects for years to come.  A leader and mentor without peer, he promotes success in others and ensures all under his charge are inspired through his example of personal and professional excellence.

Are you a graduate of Morehouse College? Take a moment to join our strong, active Alumni Association. It's easy to join - click here to become a member.

Posted in Kudos and Congratulations, Morehouse Alumni in the News and tagged , , , , , , .