Unit Staff

Captain Rod Clark is a 1984 graduate of the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and was commissioned an Ensign through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Program.  He attended the U.S. Naval War College earning a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies and International Affairs and is a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College.

As a Surface Warfare Officer, he has served at sea aboard numerous ships and afloat staffs including USS Hermitage (LSD 34), USS Lewis B. Puller (FFG 23), Destroyer Squadron One and USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49).  Following Robert G. Bradley, Captain Clark returned to sea as Sixth Fleet Air Defense officer participating in combat operations as part of Operation Allied Force during the Kosovo conflict and Operation Shining Hope.

Ashore, he has served as a U.S. Naval Academy Company Officer, Surface Warfare Officers School Command instructor, Northern Europe and NATO Political-Military Affairs lead on the Navy Staff and as Surface Warfare Officers School Command Executive Officer.  He served with Multi-National Forces Iraq (MNF-I) in Baghdad developing strategic campaign effects assessments for the Commander. His additional joint assignment was with US Transportation Command as Strategic Lift Programs Branch Chief.

Captain Clark’s command tours include the guided missile frigate USS Simpson (FFG 56) which deployed to the South Atlantic and Pacific in support of multi-national exercises and counter narcotic operations.  Under his command, Simpson earned the Battle Efficiency Award and two retention awards.  He then commanded Amphibious Squadron SEVEN deploying as Commander Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group to Fifth Fleet and conducted operations in support of the Global War on Terror. Most recently he had command of Training Support Center San Diego. He assumed command at NROTC University of Oklahoma in May 2011.

Captain Clark’s awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards) and Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal as well as numerous campaign and unit awards.

Commander Rich Strayer is a 1989 graduate of Drexel University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and was commissioned an Ensign through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps at the University of Pennsylvania.  He attended the Naval War College earning a Master’s Degree in National Security Affairs and Strategic Studies. 

As a Naval Aviator, he has served in numerous squadrons and sea duty billets including assignment to Patrol Squadron FORTY-NINE (VP-49), Patrol Squadron TWENTY FOUR (VP-24), Patrol Squadron Special Projects Unit ONE (VPU-1) and Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8) where he participated in combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Commander Strayer has also served as a Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer aboard USS CONSTELLATION and as a Maritime Homeland Defense Planner and Current Operations Officer aboard USS WASP as part of SECOND FLEET Staff.

 Ashore, he has served as a Flag Secretary for ADM Olson, Naval Special Warfare Command and as an ASW requirements for TASK FORCE EIGHTY-FOUR (CTF-84).  Commander Strayer has served overseas in Stuttgart, Germany as one of the original staff members of US Africa Command and as the Executive Officer of the Counternarcotics and Law Enforcement Assistance Division.  He took over the position as the Executive Officer of the University of Oklahoma Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps in Norman, Oklahoma in January 2011 where he serves as the Associate Professor of Naval Science. 

 Commander Strayer’s awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards) and Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two award) as well as numerous campaign and unit awards.  He is married to the former Joan Rangitsch of Kemmerer, Wyoming and they have two children

Major Herrera enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1992 and attended Recruit Training at Parris Island, South Carolina, where he graduated as Company Honor Graduate.  He served as Intelligence Specialist with 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), 1st Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Intelligence Group, and I Marine Expeditionary Force G-2 at Camp Pendleton, CA until his selection to the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) program in 1996.  Upon completion of BOOST, he was selected for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) and attended the University of Oklahoma.  As a Staff Sergeant he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in June of 1999.  After completing the Basic School in January 2000, he attended the Logistics Officer’s Course at Camp Johnson, NC. 

In May 2000, he reported for duty with 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA.  He served as the Maintenance Management Officer and Team Embarkation Officer (TEO) aboard the USS Peleliu during Amphibious Operational Training.  In April 2001, he transferred to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines and served as the Assistant S-4, Embarkation Officer, and the Ammunition and Explosives Officer for the battalion. 

In May 2002 Major Herrera deployed with Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) aboard the USS Belleau Wood in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.  Major Herrera served as the S-4A and the Team Embarkation Officer aboard the USS Belleau Wood supporting training and contingency operations in the Horn of Africa, where he planned and executed several ship-to-shore, sustainment, convoy, and vehicle recovery operations.  During the deployment, he participated in OPERATION STABALIZE, conducting humanitarian assistance and supported the withdrawal of American UN staff from East Timor. 

In January of 2003, he deployed from Camp Pendleton, CA in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine, Regimental Combat Team 1 aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard as part of the nine-ship Amphibious Task Force-West.  Upon commencement of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM ground combat operations in March 2003, he served as both the Assistant Logistics Officer and Personal Security Detail commander, responsible for security of the battalion’s command group and coordinating rapid resupply for the battalion's rifle companies engaged in ground combat operations during the march to Baghdad.

In July of 2003, he transferred to 3d Intelligence Battalion, III MEF Headquarters Group, Okinawa, Japan and served as the battalion logistics officer, where he supported multiple deployments of Counter-Intelligence/Human Intelligence Teams in support of OEF/OIF and deployed and sustained the battalion in support of regional exercises in the Western Pacific.

In April of 2005, he transferred to 3rd Transportation Support Battalion, 3d FSSG, where he served as Executive Officer and Company Commander for Motor Transportation Company.  He participated in exercises Cobra Gold in Thailand and III MEF Convoy Exercise aboard Camp Fuji, Japan.  In February 2006, he deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in support of OIF 06-08 where he served as Commanding Officer, Security Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 5, responsible for escorting and providing security for convoys and explosive ordnance disposal missions.

In August 2007, he deployed for a third tour to Iraq  in support of OIF 06-08.2, where he commanded Transportation Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, conducting air delivery, helicopter sling load, and ground transportation resupply operations in support of Regimental Combat Team 2 and RCT 5 executing counterinsurgency operations in western Al Anbar Province.  After returning from OIF in March 2008, Major Herrera assumed the duties as the battalion’s operations officer.  In July 2008, Major Herrera transferred to Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3d Marine Logistics Group, where he served as the current operations officer, where he planned and executed theater cooperation exercises with Marine Corps Forces from Thailand and the Republic of Korea.

Major Herrera currently serves as the Marine Officer Instructor at the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit, University of Oklahoma.

Major Herrera is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in Political Science (1999) and is a graduate of the Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School (2004).  He has a Masters Degree in Transportation and Logistics Management from American Military University.  He is married to the former Rae Angeline Francisco and has three children.  His personal decorations include: the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation with gold star in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat “V” gold star in lieu of second award, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Lieutenant Kevin Taylor attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and received a commission in the Navy as an Ensign via the ROTC program on May 13th, 2005. While at Virginia Tech he participated in the Corps of Cadets program and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography with emphasis in Geospatial and Environmental Analysis and minors in History and Military Leadership.

Upon commissioning, he reported to the USS Tortuga (LSD 46) to serve as the Auxiliaries Officer. While on TORTUGA he completed a BALTOPS deployment, aided in the Katrina/Rita disaster relief, and conducted a HULL SWAP bringing the USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) from Sasebo, Japan to Little Creek, Virginia. After completing the HULL SWAP he was moved to Operations Department to serve as the Electronics Division Officer. After qualifying as a Surface Warfare Officer he volunteered for an 11 month Individual Augmentation to Iraq. In Iraq he served as a Compound Commander, responsible for the security and control of over 1000 high-risk Iraqi insurgents. In December 2007, after completing his tour in Iraq, he returned to FORT MCHENRY off the coast of Western Africa to participate in the first AFRICA PARTNERSHIP STATION cruise, AFRICOM’s first ‘mobile base’.

In March 2008 he attended the CSO TK II course in Dahlgren, VA and then reported to USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) to assume duties as the Fire Control Officer. While onboard DONALD COOK he lead the ship’s Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) team, successfully boarding 25 suspect vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin during a 7-month SNMG-2/1 Deployment and helped plan and execute two successful missile exercises at Ex-USS Connolly and Ex-USNS Spica.

Lieutenant Taylor currently serves as an Assitant Professor of Naval Science and the Navy Freshmen, Sophomore and Nurse Advisor at the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit, University of Oklahoma

His personal awards include the Joint Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (3), Combat Action Ribbon, and Iraqi Campaign Medal.

Lieutenant Damiean M. Johnson graduated from Sallisaw High School in 1994.   In April 1995, he enlisted in the Navy and reported to Great Lakes, IL for boot camp.  Following completion of boot camp, LT Johnson reported to Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, located in Orlando, FL, to begin the Navy’s nuclear power training pipeline.  Upon completion of Nuclear Field “A” School and Nuclear Power School, he was ordered to the MARF Prototype in Ballston Spa.

LT Johnson reported to the U.S.S Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) in January 1997 where he served in Reactor Propulsion division as a work center supervisor and assistant leading petty officer and qualified Chief Machinery Operator.  While aboard the “Mighty Ike”, he completed two deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf.

In September 2000, LT Johnson reported again to the MARF prototype in Ballston Spa, NY and served as a staff instructor.  During his tour, he qualified Engineering Officer of the Watch, promoted to Chief Petty Officer and was selected for the Seaman to Admiral commissioning program.

LT Johnson reported to the Naval Science Institute in Newport, RI in Feb 2004 and was subsequently assigned to the University of Utah, where he received his B.S in Applied Physics.  LT Johnson received his commission in May of 2007 and again began training as a submarine officer in the nuclear power pipeline.

Following completion of Nuclear Power School in Goose Creek, SC and the Submarine Officer Basic Course in 2008, LT Johnson reported to the U.S.S Houston (SSN 713) in Apra Harbor, Guam.  During his assignment to the Houston, he served as the Communications Officer, the Chemistry and Radiological Controls Assistant and the Assistant Engineer, completing 4 missions vital to national security.

In August 2011, LT Johnson reported to the University of Oklahoma Naval ROTC.  As an assistant professor of Naval Science, he teaches the Naval Weapons Systems and Naval Engineering courses.  Additionally, he is pursuing his graduate degree in mathematics education.

LT Johnson is married to Tamara Johnson, of Stockton, IL.  They have two children, Jessalyn and Kaitlyn.  LT Johnson’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4 awards) and the Navy Good Conduct Medal (4 awards).

GySgt Tanner was born 04 November 1975, in Weatherford, Texas.  He graduated from high school in 1994 and subsequently enlisted in the Marine Corps and reported to MCRD San Diego, CA in November 1997.  Upon completion of boot camp and Marine Combat Training, GySgt Tanner reported to NAS Pensacola for “A” school, where he graduated as the Honor graduate and earned the MOS of 6154, Airframes and Hydraulic Mechanic.  During his time in Pensacola, FL, GySgt Tanner participated in the Leadership Education and Development program (LEAD) where he served in the billets of Squad Leader, Platoon Sgt, Company Gunnery Sergeant, and Company First Sergeant.

In July of 1998, GySgt Tanner reported to his secondary MOS school where he graduated as the Honor Graduate and received orders to HMLA-169 aboard MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA.  During his tour with HMLA-169 from Aug 1998 to Jan 2003, GySgt Tanner served as a Collateral Duty Inspector, Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative, Airframes Division NCOIC, Technical Directives Coordinator, and Squadron Maintenance Controller.

In January 2003, GySgt Tanner received orders to attend Drill Instructor School aboard MCRD San Diego, CA.  Upon graduation from Drill Instructor School, GySgt Tanner was assigned to 2nd BN Golf Company.  During his three year tour, GySgt Tanner held the billets of Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and S-4 Chief.

In May 2006, GySgt Tanner reported to HMLA-369, where he served as the Airframes Division SNCOIC, Airframes Division Chief, Assistant Technical Directive Coordinator, Squadron Gunnery Sergeant, Maintenance Control SNCOIC and Maintenance Control Chief.

In September of 2009, GySgt Tanner received orders to his current duty station at the University of Oklahoma where he serves as the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor for the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps.

His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Silver Star in lieu of 6th award and the Navy Commendation Medal.

Janet Flick, a native of Oklahoma City, OK, joined the Naval ROTC at the University of Oklahoma in July 1990. While at the University of Oklahoma, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology Criminology and graduated in December 2007.

She worked for Sears Service Center in the Personnel Office as the Personnel Assistant.   Within six months she was promoted to the Insurance Office as a Health Insurance Claims Clerk.  She left Sears to participate in the founding of a family owned custom cabinet and home remodeling business, where she actively worked in the shop and as the bookkeeper.  She was also employed part time for Jean’s Income Tax Service as a bookkeeper and income tax preparer for four years. 

She moved to Norman, Oklahoma where she established her home and continued to work in the family business.  She continued her education by completing Accounting courses at the Moore-Norman Vocational Center.      

In February 1989, Janet was hired by the Department of the Air Force as a Civilian Payroll Clerk.  She transferred to the Department of the Navy Naval ROTC Unit as the Commanding Officer’s Secretary in July 1990.  She was assigned as the NROTCU OU Program Assistant in April 1996 and designated as the NROTCU OU Program Manager in April 1999.  She also holds billets as the Assistant Security Manager, Assistant Summer Training Coordinator, DTS Manager, Commissioning Assistant, and Medical Coordinator. During the summer of 2009 she was selected as an Assistant Company Officer for CORTRAMID West Midshipman summer training. In 2010 she returned to CORTRAMID West as Admin Support.

Her volunteer work includes Eisenhower Grade School, Norman Public Schools, Teacher’s aide, PTA member, PTA Treasurer and PTA President; Armed Services YMCA Military Welcome Center at Will Rogers World Airport; and the Veterans Administration Hospital in Oklahoma City. She has been a kinship foster parent through the Oklahoma State Department of Human Services and is currently a member of the South Oklahoma City Blue Star Moms.

Janet has been awarded the U.S. Navy Outstanding Performance Award (19 awards) and the Oklahoma Federal Executive Board Employee of the Year (GS8 & Below) (2 awards). She was also on the University of Oklahoma Dean’s Honor Roll.

She has two children; Ronda, a registered nurse, and Michael, a Lieutenant in the Unites States Navy.  She has six grandchildren.

In 1981 upon graduating from Monterey High School in Lubbock, Texas SKCS Ana Gonzales joined the Army she attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Ft Jackson South Carolina upon the completion of training she was assigned to the 101st Military Intelligence Battalion at Ft Riley Kansas as the Unit Supply clerk after 3 years she was transferred to HHC 84th Engineer Battalion Schofield Barracks, Hawaii as a member of the Property book section. SKCS was honorably discharged from the US Army in 1988. After returning to Texas she attended school while serving with the Army Reserve in Lubbock Texas.

In 1989 she decided to go back active duty and enlisted in the US Navy she attended training in Orlando, Fl upon completion of training she was assigned to the USS L.Y. Spear AS-36 home ported in Norfolk, VA following that she was assigned as the Staff Storekeeper for the Commander, Mine Warfare Command at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. After 4 years in Texas she reported to NATO Allied Forces Southern Europe Command in Naples, Italy assigned to the Post Supply. Following her tour in Naples she reported to the nuclear powered Aircraft Carrier the USS Carl Vinson CVN-70 with a follow on tour at the NROTC Unit University of Oklahoma. SKCS Gonzales retired from the Navy in 2007. Ms. Gonzales now currently holds the title of Supply Technician for the NROTC unit.

Julie was born in British Columbia and later lived in Saskatchewan and Alberta (Canada). She moved to Thomas, Oklahoma when she was thirteen and graduated from Thomas High School.  Julie attended College of the Ozarks in Missouri where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics.

When she’s not working as a Staff Assistant II in the Naval ROTC Unit, Julie spends her time writing, painting, rescuing animals and celebrating Christmas year-round.  Her claim to fame is being a proud survivor of a Copperhead snakebite received during a camping trip at Arbuckle Lake (which didn’t deter her from camping). Julie resides in Norman with her husband, three cats and a dog.