Rear Admiral Kelvin N. Dixon

Director, Coalition Naval Advisory and Training Team, Iraq

Rear Admiral Dixon is a native of Tampa, Fla. In 1981, he graduated from Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and was commissioned through the Reserve Officers Training Corps University Program. He holds a Master of Science in Management (Human Resources) from the College of Saint Elizabeth and a Master of Business Administration (Entrepreneurial Studies) from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He has also taken a number of Department of Defense courses in strategy and national security and is currently enrolled in Joint Professional Military Education Phase I at the Naval War College.

Dixon's tours as a Surface War officer included boilers/weapons officer, USS Preble (DDG 46); weapons officer, USS LaSalle (AGF 3); Surface detailer, Bureau of Personnel; and watch officer, National Military Command Center.

Dixon has held eight command tours including deputy commander, NRCC, NS; commanding officer, SELSERV SYS 125; commanding officer COMNAVSURFLANT DET 606; commanding officer, Afloat Culture Workshop for CNSF; commanding officer, NAVCENT DET 109; commanding officer, Naval Beach Group Two; commanding officer, Inshore Boat Unit 23; and Gaining Command Liaison officer, Beach Master Unit 2.

In 1991, Dixon participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm as the operations officer for the United Nations Mission headquartered in Kuwait. He assisted in the establishment of checkpoints and managed the movement of all military and civilian personnel throughout Kuwait and Iraq. In 2003, he was mobilized to Bahrain in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was responsible for protecting shipping in the Persian Gulf. From October 2008 to October 2009 he was mobilized again as chief of Biometrics, headquartered in Baghdad, with responsibility for all aspects of identification and verification.

After leaving active duty, Dixon served as the director of Safety, Health, and Risk management at General Chemical Corporation. In 2006, Dixon was appointed corporate vice president of Risk Responsibility for Matheson Tri Gas where he oversees the safety and health of its 3,000 employees and ensures that its operations and products adhere to environmental standards. Dixon reported to his current position as director, Coalition Naval Advisory and Training Team (Iraq) in September 2010.

Dixon's personal decorations include Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Joint commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps commendation Medal (six awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), and various campaign, unit, and service awards including the prestigious Captain Leo v. Bilger Award for excellence in mission effectiveness.