Leadership

Commander Troy R. Lawson

Commander, Naval Diving and Salvage Center

Cmdr. Troy Lawson, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, enlisted in the Navy in October 1988. He earned his commission through the limited duty officer program, laterally converting to an unrestricted explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) line officer in 2017. Lawson holds a Bachelor of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management from the American Military University.

Lieutenant Commander Gary Simpson

Executive Officer, Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center

Lt. Cmdr. Gary Simpson, a native of Littleton, Colo. enlisted in the Navy in September of 1997 as a Seaman Apprenticeship and later earned a commission through the Limited Duty Officer Program. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 2021 with A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Master Chief Paul C. Wotus

Command Master Chief, Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center

Master Chief Wotus, a native of Corry, Pennsylvania, graduated from Corry Area High School in 1993 and enlisted in the Navy. His military education includes Storekeeper “A” School in Meridian, Mississippi, and Diver Second Class, Diver First Class, and Master Diver courses in Panama City, Florida. He holds an Associate of Arts in General Studies from Central Texas College, Killeen, Texas and an associate degree in welding technology through Palomar College, San Marcos, Texas.  He is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 242), qualified as a master diver and designated a specialist in expeditionary warfare.