Rear Adm. Dodson, a native of Lusby, Maryland, graduated in 1994 from the Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, and in 1995 with a master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering where he was commissioned through the NROTC program.  He graduated from the University of Florida in 2002 with a Master of Business Administration in Management, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 2006 with a Master of Science in System Dynamics.  

At sea, he served as Antisubmarine Warfare Officer aboard USS Normandy (CG 60) and Auxiliaries Division Officer on USS Enterprise (CVN 65).  Other assignments include Navigation Instructor at the University of Florida NROTC Unit, Project Officer at the Naval Research Laboratory and Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), and Reserve Program Manager for Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility and the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (PMS 555).

Dodson commanded Navy Reserve (NR) NAVSEA Washington, District of Columbia, and NR Surge Maintenance (SurgeMain) Baltimore, Maryland.  He twice served as the Regional Commanding Officer of NR SurgeMain East, and was the seventh SurgeMain National Director leading over 2,500 trade-skilled Sailors and Officers spread across the country in 75 local units supporting the four naval shipyards.  His last assignment was as the NAVSEA Reserve Program lead for warfighting readiness, aligning the Ship Maintenance line of effort to the Navy Reserve Fighting Instructions.

Dodson began his first flag officer assignment at NAVSEA’s Director of Warfighting Readiness in November 2022.  In October 2024, he was assigned as the NAVSEA Deputy Commander for the Supervision of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair (SUPSHIP), where he leads activities managing private sector shipbuilding contracts.

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards).  He is a qualified Surface Warfare Officer, Navy Nuclear Engineer Officer, and Engineering Duty Officer.

Last Updated: 18 December 2024