Eric Benson

USNA ’71

CDR Eric Benson, USN (Ret.) is a political science major who went on to become a weapons systems engineer during his 25 year Navy career.

From Alhambra High School in Martinez, California to the Naval Academy in 15 short days, I later graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School (1976) and did graduate work in education at Marymount University, Arlington, VA.

As a Surface Warfare Officer, I served in USS PLEDGE (MSO 492), US MCCANDLESS (FF 1084) and USS WADDELL (DDG 24) before converting to Engineering Duty in 1980. Shortly after promotion to Commander, I attended the Submarine Officer Basic Course and did a patrol in USS GEORGIA (SSBN 729) prior to reporting to Mare Island Naval Shipyard. I retired in 1992 as head of the submarine communications antennas division at SPAWAR.

After retirement I received teaching credentials in Virginia and California and taught at Oakland (CA) High, Chapman University, University of Maryland (Asian Division), Nagasaki Junior College, Sanford-Brown College, Kansas City Kansas Community College and Hayfield High (Alexandria, VA).

Fully retired since 2000, I now do a variety of volunteer work.

The bonds that we formed as midshipmen are stronger than religious, ethnic or sexual orientations that we have. We all recognize that. It is past time that the Naval Academy and the Naval Academy Alumni Association recognize that simple fact.

Patriotism has no bounds and no limitations. Sally (OCS '81, CDR, USN (Ret.)) and I are proud to be a part of USNA Out and will do what we can to break down the artificial barriers restricting American service and recognition of all alumni by the Naval Academy.

Our home is open to Navy friends in Coats, North Carolina. Please check out my (mostly) political blog at www.drlefty.org and contact me at drlefty@emabrqmail.com.

Please feel free to contact Eric here at USNA Out.