Born in Syracuse, New York, Rear Adm. Jackson graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

Upon commissioning, Jackson entered the Navy’s surface warfare pipeline and served aboard USS Reuben James (FFG-57), where he deployed twice to U.S. 5th Fleet.

After selection for lateral transfer to Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and successful completion of Basic Diving Officer and EOD training, he reported to EOD Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and served aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) and USS George Washington (CVN 73). Additional sea assignments include officer in charge of EODMU 5, Detachment 51, Sasebo, Japan; combat systems support officer, EOD squadron commander, deputy N3 and chief staff officer at Naval Special Warfare Development Group. 

His command assignments include commanding officer of EODMU 2, where he deployed his unit to Iraq as a Battalion-equivalent Joint Task Force, leading counter-improvised explosive device operations in direct support of U.S. Division North (TF MARNE); commander, EOD Group 2, where he manned, trained, and equipped east coast EOD and mobile diving and salvage forces in support of combatant commanders worldwide; and commander, Task Force 56, headquartered in Bahrain, where he employed navy expeditionary combat forces in support of U.S. 5th Fleet. He has completed six shipboard deployments across the globe and four combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Ashore, he served as the force EOD officer at Naval Special Warfare Command; and as N5, commander’s action group director, chief of staff and maritime operations center director at Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. He recently served as the branch head for Navy Expeditionary Combat (N957) and as the acting director, Expeditionary Warfare (N95) on the Navy Staff.

Jackson is the recipient of various personal and campaign awards including the Bronze Star Medal (two awards) and Combat Action Ribbon. He considers the awards associated with unit performance to be most satisfying, including the Presidential Unit Citation (four awards), Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Last Updated: 31 August 2022