Cmdr. Nowakowski, a native of Clackamas, Oregon, enlisted in the Navy in August 2000. He graduated from Auburn University earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in December 2006.  In June 2013, he graduated from Naval Postgraduate School earning a Master of Science in Systems Engineering.
 
Upon completion of Machinist Mate “A” School, Nuclear Power School, Prototype Moored Training Ship (MTS 635), and Engineering Laboratory Technician School, Nowakowski served as a staff instructor aboard MTS 635 in Goose Creek, South Carolina.  In December 2006, as a second class petty officer, he was commissioned through the Seaman to Admiral program. 
 
Nowakowski’s sea duty officer assignments include damage control assistant, USS Taylor (FFG 50); training officer, USS Philippine Sea (CG 58); combat systems officer and later chief engineer, USS Somerset (LPD 25); and most recently, damage control assistant, USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79). 

Ashore, he served as a staff instructor at Surface Warfare Officers School Command in Newport, Rhode Island and director of training for Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) Hampton Roads (HR) Learning Site HR, formerly Center for Surface Combat Systems Detachment East. 

He reported as executive officer, SCSTC AEGIS Training and Readiness Center (ATRC) in May 2023. 
 
Nowakowski’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), and various unit, campaign, and service awards.
 
 

Last Updated: 25 May 2023