Instructor, Damage Control, U.S. Navy (Retired)
Joseph E. Clark, widely known as Joe Clark, is a distinguished retired U.S. Navy serviceman originally from Athens, Georgia, the proud home of the Georgia Bulldogs. Joe enlisted in the United States Navy in 1986 and successfully completed Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, in December of the same year. He received comprehensive hands-on training in quality assurance, pipefitting, and other critical skills essential for the maintenance of U.S. Navy vessels at Hull Maintenance Technician “A” School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Throughout his career, Joe served in various roles aboard multiple classes of ships and at diverse commands, including the USS Oakridge (AKDM-1) in Kings Bay, Georgia; the USS O’Bannon (DD 987) in Charleston, South Carolina; the Fleet Training Center in Mayport, Florida; as a Recruit Division Commander in Great Lakes, Illinois; and the USS Guardian (MCM-5) in Sasebo, Japan.
Following his retirement from the Navy on November 1, 2006, Joe transitioned to the BAE Shipyard at the Naval Base in Mayport, Florida, where he continues to contribute his expertise as a pipefitter. In 2011, he achieved his Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsement, enabling him to serve as an Unlicensed Junior Engineer, Fireman, Water Tender, and Oiler through NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), working on the vessel Nancy Foster. Joe is committed to furthering his maritime skills and ensuring that his colleagues are well-trained, promoting the maintenance of high-quality fleets.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Joe values his time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He actively engages in community and family activities at his home in Jacksonville, Florida, and demonstrates unwavering support for the Georgia Bulldogs.
