Unit Staff

COMMANDING OFFICER, NORTH CAROLINA PIEDMONT CONSORTIUM

CAPT Brian Tanaka is a native of Rochester, MN and a 1996 graduate of Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry.

Following commissioning through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) and completion of the Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program training pipeline, he reported for his division officer tour onboard USS MEMPHIS (SSN 691) in Groton, CT. CAPT Tanaka’s sea duty assignments also include Navigation/Operations Officer aboard USS JEFFERSON CITY (SSN 759), Executive Officer on USS WEST VIRGINIA (SSBN 736 BLUE), and Commanding Officer of USS MINNESOTA (SSN 783). While at sea, he completed deployments to EUCOM and INDOPACOM areas of responsibility, two strategic deterrent patrols, and multiple depot level maintenance periods.

Ashore CAPT Tanaka’s assignments include Flag Lieutenant to the Deputy, Chief of Naval Operations, Submarine Warfare Division, Assistant Nuclear and Submarine Community Manager in the Office of the Chief of Naval Personnel, Deputy Director, Navy Liaison to the United States House of Representatives, in the Navy’s Office of Legislative Affairs and most recently, as Deputy Commander, Task Force 69 at the Headquarters, US SIXTH FLEET in Naples, Italy. He is currently the Commanding Officer, Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific (NSTCP) and Commanding Officer, Training Support Department (TSD) Hawaii.

CAPT Tanaka holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the Catholic University of America, Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College and is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI program in International Affairs and Foreign Policy.

His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and various unit and campaign awards. He is most proud of the awards earned as a result of excellent teamwork, resilience, and battle readiness.

LIEUTENANT ADVISORS Lieutenant Scott Trail, Naval Aviator trailsa@unc.edu Lieutenant Michael Reyes, Surface Warfare Officer reyesm@unc.edu

MARINE OFFICER INSTRUCTOR Captain Derek McNamara damcnama@unc.edu ASSISTANT MARINE OFFICER INSTRUCTOR Staff Sergeant Richard Perry wadeperr@unc.edu