Captain Mark C. Burns hails from Turnersville, New Jersey, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1997. He has a BS in Systems Engineering and an MA in National Security Studies.
Following his commissioning, he completed primary fixed wing and advanced training in Corpus Christi, Texas, earning his Wings in 1999. He completed his initial training in the P-3C Orion aircraft at Patrol Squadron THIRTY (VP-30) in Jacksonville, Florida, before proceeding to the world famous “Skinny Dragons” of Patrol Squadron FOUR (VP-4) at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe, Hawaii.
His operational tours include serving as a Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer aboard the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73), and serving as the Maintenance and Operations Officer for Patrol Squadron TEN (VP-10) “Red Lancers” in Brunswick, Maine with a homeport change to Jacksonville, Florida. CAPT Burns was selected to be the Executive Officer of Patrol Squadron TWO SIX (VP-26) in Jacksonville, Florida and later assumed the title of “TRIDENT ONE” as the 70th Commanding Officer in May, 2015. CAPT Burns led the TRIDENTS through their full transition to the P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
His shore assignments include a tour as an Instructor Pilot at VP-30, NAS Jacksonville; Director of the J-5 Action Group on the Joint Staff, Pentagon; Deputy Commander Task Force FIVE SEVEN (CTF-57) Manama, Bahrain; Deputy Director Navy Senate Liaison Office, Washington, D.C.; and Director of Public Safety (N3D) for Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC) at the Washington Navy Yard.
Captain Burns currently serves as the Commanding Officer, Naval Support Activity Washington, at the Washington Navy Yard.
Last Updated: 1 June 2022