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NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive

Patches contributed by Mike Smolinski

USS Emory S. Land (AS-39)

CAPT. Mark A. Prokopius, USN

A native of Seven Hills, Ohio, Captain Prokopius received his commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University Of Notre Dame in 1990. Following the Nuclear Training pipeline, he reported to his first assignment aboard USS Tecumseh (SSBN-628) in Charleston, SC where he served in various Division Office billets. After decommissioning in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, he reported to USS Tucson (SSN 770) with the initial manning increment, and served aboard during initial sea trials, delivery and commissioning.

After a shore tour at Naval Space Command in Dahlgren, VA, Captain Prokopius served as Engineer Officer aboard USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 709) completing a northern Atlantic deployment for which the Rickover received a Navy Unit Commendation. He then served as a member of the Atlantic Fleet Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board before reporting to USS Norfolk (SSN 714) as Executive Officer. While aboard Norfolk, he completed an Engineered Refueling Overhauled and conducted a surge deployment to the Mediterranean Sea in support of NATO Response Force commitments.

Following a tour on the staff of Commander, Submarine Forces as the Force Nuclear Power Officer, Captain Prokopius took command of USS New Mexico (SSN 779), completing the new construction process, delivery, commissioning and commencement of the Post Shakedown Availability. After Command, Captain Prokopius served on the staff of Submarine Squadron Six as the Deputy for Operations. Most recently, he served as a Deployable Training Team Chief in the Deployable Training Division, Joint Staff J7 Suffolk, responsible for providing worldwide support to increase the readiness of Joint Force Commanders and staffs through sharing of insights and best practices.

Captain Prokopius holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and a Masters in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University. Captain Prokopius' personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medals(three awards), the Navy Commendations Medal(six awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal(three awards) as well as various unit awards.

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