Draper Younce
Summary
With almost 20 years of distinguished service as a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer and prior enlisted AEGIS Fire Controlman, I bring to Johns Hopkins Carey Business School a proven record of leadership, operational excellence, and servant leadership forged in some of the most demanding environments in the world. My career has spanned from leading Sailors at sea as a junior petty officer to serving as a commissioned officer entrusted with combat systems readiness, program management, and the safety of entire crews. Along the way, I earned recognition as Sailor of the Year, Instructor of the Year, and selection for the highly competitive Limited Duty Officer Commissioning Program — achievements that reflect sustained superior performance and the ability to inspire and develop others.
At Carey, I will contribute a unique perspective on leadership under pressure, cross‑functional collaboration, and strategic decision‑making . My qualifications — from Tactical Action Officer and Officer of the Deck Underway to Master Training Specialist and Electronics Material Officer — demonstrate both technical mastery and the ability to translate complex systems into actionable strategies. Just as I guided over 100 instructors through their qualification paths and led Sailors in high‑risk maritime security operations, I will bring a collaborative, mission‑focused mindset to the Carey classroom, enriching discussions with real‑world examples of resilience, accountability, and innovation.
Looking ahead, I intend to leverage Carey's emphasis on business with humanity in mind to transition my military leadership skills into the civilian sector. The same competencies that enabled me to manage multimillion‑dollar maintenance programs, coordinate inspections, and lead surge deployments during global conflicts will translate directly into program management, operations leadership, and organizational development roles in the private sector. My ability to build trust, develop talent, and deliver results in high‑stakes environments will allow me to bridge the gap between military service and civilian enterprise, positioning me to lead diverse teams, drive strategic initiatives, and contribute to organizations that value integrity, innovation, and impact.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Electronic Materials Officer
U.S. Navy
05.2021 - Current
- Leadership & Personnel Development : Directed and mentored a division of Sailors responsible for maintaining and operating critical electronic and combat systems. Successfully qualified and advanced numerous personnel, fostering professional growth and ensuring sustained readiness across the command.
- Program Management Excellence : Oversaw multiple command-level maintenance and readiness programs to include: Working Aloft, Fall Protection, Radiation Hazards, Interior Wireless Communication System, Xerox, Cathodics, Micro Miniature Repair, and Test equipment, ensuring compliance with Navy standards and inspection requirements. Streamlined processes that improved system availability and reduced downtime, directly contributing to mission success.
- Principal Assistant to the Commanding Officer : Served as a trusted advisor and principal assistant, providing technical expertise and operational recommendations on combat systems readiness, electronic maintenance, and shipboard operations. Acted as a key liaison between the wardroom, crew, and senior leadership to align departmental performance with command objectives.
- Operational Deployment & Surge Readiness : Successfully executed surge deployment during the Russia–Ukraine conflict, ensuring the ship's combat systems and electronic readiness supported forward-deployed operations in a high-tempo, strategically sensitive environment. Demonstrated adaptability and resilience under dynamic operational demands.
- Mission Readiness & Qualifications : Maintained personal qualifications including Tactical Action Officer (TAO), Air Warfare Coordinator (AAWC), Combat Systems Officer of the Watch (CSOOW), Command Duty Officer (CDO), and Officer of the Deck (OOD) Underway. Leveraged these qualifications to provide operational leadership and ensure seamless integration of combat systems into fleet operations.
Systems Test Officer
U.S. Navy
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Led the Combat Systems Officer of the Watch (CSOOW) Organization : Directed and mentored the CSOOW watch team, ensuring combat systems readiness and seamless integration of tactical operations across multiple warfare areas.
- SERT Management : Oversaw the Ship's Electronic Readiness Team (SERT), coordinating maintenance and operational testing to guarantee AEGIS combat systems were fully mission-capable and aligned with fleet standards.
- Smooth Log Oversight : Maintained the Smooth Log , the ship's official record of combat systems operations, material status, and significant events. Ensured accuracy and accountability in documenting system performance and operational decisions critical to inspections and certifications.
- CSTT Lead : Served as Combat Systems Training Team (CSTT) lead, designing and executing technical and tactical scenarios, drills, and certifications. Elevated crew proficiency in combat systems employment, directly improving warfighting readiness.
- INSURV Coordinator : Managed preparations for the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), synchronizing efforts across departments to ensure material readiness and compliance. Successfully coordinated inspections that validated combat systems performance and shipwide operational standards.
- SMMO During Availability : Acted as Ship's Maintenance Material Officer (SMMO) during a major availability, overseeing maintenance planning, execution, and quality assurance. Ensured timely completion of critical repairs and upgrades to combat systems and electronic equipment.
- Forward Deployed Operations : Served aboard a forward-deployed destroyer in Japan, operating in a high-tempo environment with dynamic mission requirements. Provided technical expertise and leadership in support of regional security and allied operations.
- OOD Underway & SWO Qualification : Qualified and stood watch as Officer of the Deck (Underway) , entrusted with the safe navigation and operation of the ship in complex maritime environments. This responsibility culminated in earning the Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) pin , a milestone that reflects comprehensive mastery of shipboard operations, tactical employment, and leadership at sea.
Leading Petty Officer at Sea
U.S. Navy
08.2008 - 08.2018
- Progression in Leadership : Advanced from a junior E‑4 to serving as the Leading Petty Officer (LPO) at sea as an E‑5 , demonstrating rapid professional growth, technical expertise, and leadership ability in a demanding operational environment.
- Combat Systems Officer of the Watch (CSOOW) Qualification : Earned the CSOOW qualification , a critical warfare watchstation responsible for the readiness, operation, and coordination of the ship's combat systems during real‑world missions.
- Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) Operations : Conducted extensive VBSS operations off the coast of Somalia , directly supporting counter‑piracy and maritime security missions.
Executed 25 maritime interdictions of suspected pirate vessels.
Conducted over 100 approach and assist operations , strengthening maritime partnerships and ensuring freedom of navigation in high‑risk waters. - Weapons Release Authority & ATTWO Qualification : Entrusted by the Commanding Officer with weapons release authority as an E‑5 — a responsibility typically reserved for senior enlisted leaders (E‑7 and above). This extraordinary trust was reinforced by earning the Antiterrorism Tactical Watch Officer (ATTWO) qualification , placing you in charge of the ship's defensive posture in port and at sea, and underscoring the CO's confidence in your tactical judgment and leadership under pressure.
- Leadership at Sea : As LPO, led and mentored junior Sailors in combat systems operations and maintenance, ensuring readiness and cohesion during high‑tempo deployments. Built a culture of accountability, technical excellence, and mission focus.
Instructor and Track Supervisor
U.S. Navy
09.2013 - 01.2018
- Master Training Specialist (MTS) & Coordinator : Earned the prestigious Master Training Specialist (MTS) qualification and served as the MTS Coordinator , leading over 100 instructors through their qualification paths. Provided mentorship, evaluation, and guidance to ensure instructional excellence across the command.
- Instructional Excellence : Delivered more than 1,000 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction annually for three consecutive years , directly enhancing fleet readiness and technical proficiency. Recognized for exceptional teaching ability and dedication to student success.
- Course Supervisor – TACAN : Served as Course Supervisor for TACAN for two years, overseeing 15 classes . Ensured curriculum accuracy, instructor readiness, and student mastery of critical navigation systems.
- Awards & Recognition :
Junior Sailor of the Year (2014)
Senior Instructor of the Year (2015)
Senior Sailor of the Year (2016)
Navy Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) for sustained community service from 2009–2015
Selected for the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) Commissioning Program in recognition of sustained superior performance and servant leadership. With a selection rate of less than 5% , and an average selection timeline of 13 years of service and three applications , achieved selection at the 10-year mark on the first application — a testament to exceptional performance and leadership potential. - Event Leadership & Volunteerism : Spearheaded major command events, including the Command Holiday Party and the Navy Ball , volunteering over 600 hours of personal time .
Fundraising & Resource Management : Raised over $55,000 through coordinated fundraising efforts.
Team Leadership : Directed a team of 30 volunteers , managing logistics, purchasing, and event planning.
High-Profile Success :
Education
Business
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FLBachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Maryland Global Campus
Hyattsville, MD12-2025
Skills
- Leadership & Team Development
Led diverse teams ranging from small divisions at sea to 100 instructors ashore, mentoring personnel, qualifying watchstanders, and building future leaders - Program & Project Management
Directed complex maintenance, training, and readiness programs; coordinated inspections (INSURV, SERT); and managed multimillion‑dollar resources during ship availabilities - Operations & Risk Management
Qualified as OOD Underway, ATTWO, and TAO, entrusted with ship safety, tactical employment, and weapons release authority — demonstrating exceptional judgment under pressure - Systems Engineering & Technical Expertise
Managed AEGIS combat systems, electronics readiness, and navigation systems; supervised testing, certification, and integration of advanced technologies - Training & Instructional Design
Master Training Specialist (MTS) qualified; delivered 3,000 hours of instruction; supervised TACAN course curriculum; and coordinated instructor development programs
- Strategic Planning & Execution
Developed and executed operational plans during forward‑deployed missions, surge deployments, and high‑tempo maritime security operations - Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Served as principal assistant to commanding officers, bridging technical, operational, and administrative functions to align teams with organizational goals - Event & Resource Management
Organized large‑scale command events (Navy Ball, Holiday Party), raising $55,000, managing 30 volunteers, and coordinating high‑visibility engagements with senior Navy leadership - Recognition & Performance Excellence
Multiple Sailor of the Year awards, Instructor of the Year, and selection for the highly competitive LDO Commissioning Program (selected at 10 years, first application, - Community Engagement & Volunteer Leadership
Timeline
Electronic Materials Officer
U.S. Navy
05.2021 - Current
Systems Test Officer
U.S. Navy
01.2018 - 01.2021
Instructor and Track Supervisor
U.S. Navy
09.2013 - 01.2018
Leading Petty Officer at Sea
U.S. Navy
08.2008 - 08.2018
Business
Saint Leo University
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Maryland Global Campus