Rear Adm. David G. Wilson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Delaware, a Juris Doctorate from Delaware Law School, and a Master of Laws in International and Comparative Law from The George Washington University School of Law. He received his Navy commission through the Judge Advocate General’s Corps Student Program in 1992, and he is licensed to practice law in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Wilson’s shore duty assignments include: Naval Legal Service Office (NLSO) Jacksonville, Florida; NLSO Branch Office Earle, New Jersey; Staff Judge Advocate (SJA), Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia; deputy SJA and head of Military Justice for Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic; military legal advisor to the director, Naval Criminal Investigative Service; executive officer, Region Legal Service Office (RLSO) Naval District Washington, District of Columbia; commanding officer, NLSO Northwest; officer-in-charge, Defense Service Office (DSO) West, Detachment Bremerton, Washington; commanding officer, RLSO Mid-Atlantic; inspector general, Naval Legal Service Command (NLSC); chief of staff, Defense Service Office (DSO); and assistant judge advocate general for operations and management.

Wilson’s deployed and operational assignments include: SJA, Carrier Strike Group TEN; fleet judge advocate, Commander, U.S. Second Fleet; senior legal counsel, Commander, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa; SJA, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic; and fleet judge advocate, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

Wilson is the commander, CNLSC. As CNLSC, he leads attorneys, enlisted legalmen, and civilian employees of 13 commands that provide prosecution and defense services, legal services to individuals, specialized legal training, and legal support to Navy units around the world.

Wilson’s awards include the Legion of Merit (six awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and several campaign and unit awards. His article, Interdiction on the High Seas: The Role and Authority of a Master in the Boarding and Searching of his Ship by Foreign Warships was published by the Naval Law Review in 2008.

Last Updated: 27 October 2021