History of the U.S. Navy Public Affairs Association
The U.S. Navy Public Affairs Association was established in 1994 with the following purpose and objectives:
- To foster and enhance cordial relations and mutual understanding among former and current active duty personnel and civilian employees of the U.S. Navy who were, or are, engaged in performing public affairs functions.
- To support and promote the professional growth, education, and development of individuals engaged in all aspects of U.S. Navy public affairs.
- To stimulate and promote a broad acquaintance and a spirit of fellowship among members and others interested in an effective U.S. Navy public affairs program.
When it was first created, the title was the U.S. Navy Public Affairs Alumni Association, and for two decades the primary focus was to honor and celebrate this rich heritage and to keep alive the friendships we have made during an important part of our lives.
The organization changed its name in 2013 to the U.S. Navy Public Affairs Association to bring back the focus of all three areas of the purpose and objectives as well as to signal the inclusiveness with all aspects of Navy public affairs: active, reserve, retired, civilian, officer and enlisted.
The Association publishes a quarterly newsletter and an annual membership directory. Reunions and other social and professional gatherings are organized nationally, regionally and virtually to maintain and grow Navy public affairs networking, collegiality and fellowship.
Association Presidents
2018 - present, RDML Tom Jurkowsky, USN (Ret.)
2016 - 2017, RDML Vic Beck, USN (Ret.)
2015 - 2016, RDML Frank Thorp IV, USN (Ret.)
2014 - 2015, Captain Charles Connor, USN (Ret.)
2011-2013, Rear Admiral Steve Pietropaoli, USN (Ret.)
2009-2010, Captain Jim Noone, USNR (Ret.)
2006-2008, Rear Admiral Brent Baker, USN (Ret.)
2003-2005, Rear Admiral Jim Finkelstein, USN (Ret.)
2001-2002, Captain Edmund L. Castillo, USN (Ret.)
1999-2000, Captain Harry E. Padgett, USN (Ret.)
1997-1998, Rear Admiral Jack A. Garrow, USN (Ret.)
1994-1996, Captain Herbert. E. Hetu, USN (Ret.)
2016 - 2017, RDML Vic Beck, USN (Ret.)
2015 - 2016, RDML Frank Thorp IV, USN (Ret.)
2014 - 2015, Captain Charles Connor, USN (Ret.)
2011-2013, Rear Admiral Steve Pietropaoli, USN (Ret.)
2009-2010, Captain Jim Noone, USNR (Ret.)
2006-2008, Rear Admiral Brent Baker, USN (Ret.)
2003-2005, Rear Admiral Jim Finkelstein, USN (Ret.)
2001-2002, Captain Edmund L. Castillo, USN (Ret.)
1999-2000, Captain Harry E. Padgett, USN (Ret.)
1997-1998, Rear Admiral Jack A. Garrow, USN (Ret.)
1994-1996, Captain Herbert. E. Hetu, USN (Ret.)