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Real World Youth Conference 2008:
Workplace Skills & College Prep
Project Planning Workshop:Commander Bruce R. Kirk
 CDR Bruce Kirk was born in New London, Connecticut and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. In his youth he was active in the Aloha Council scouting program as a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Explorer and adult Explorer Advisor. In 1962 He earned is God and Country Award, in 1964 his Eagle Award and in 1965 his Silver Palm. He graduated from Arthur W. Radford High in 1966, attended Chaminade College in Honolulu from 1966 until 1968 and Humboldt State College in Arcata, California from 1968 to 1970 where he received a duel Bachelors of Arts degree in Historical Geography and Natural Resource Management.
CDR Kirk enlisted in the Naval Reserve in June 1970 and after successfully completing the Navy’s Aviation Officer Training Program received his commissioned as an Ensign. Over the next 26 years CDR Kirk served in numerous commands around the world and assumed ever increasing positions of responsibility. Highlights of his career included serving as a Navy Helicopter pilot, Telecommunications Systems Officer, Nuclear Weapons and Missile Officer, Chief Staff Officer for the Largest Naval Reserve Squadron In the Navy, Executive Officer of a Destroyer and a major Shore Command, Naval Exchange Officer with the Japanese Navy and as a Commanding Officer of a Navy Frigate.
Along the way CDR Kirk earned a Teaching Credential from Gavlin College in Gilroy, California; a dual Masters Degree from Central Michigan University in Computer Systems Management and Human Resources Management; a Masters Degree in Telecommunications System Management from the University Of Southern Mississippi through the U.S. Air Force Applied School Of Aero Space Science; and a Masters Degree In International Affairs from the Japanese International Institute For Defense Studies in Tokyo, Japan.
Prior to his retirement from the Navy in 1994, CDR Kirk was the Project Manager for acquiring, coordinating and transferring the BLUEBACK Submarine from the Navy to the Oregon Museum Of Science and Industry. Since retirement he took on the responsibility of Project Manager for the commissioning of the USS Decatur at Tom McCall Water Front Park in Portland, Oregon.
Additionally, CDR Kirk has served as the President of the Blueback Submarine Council of the Navy League of the United States; State President and National Director for the Navy League; as the Area 1C Chairman for the Oregon Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve; Camp Withycomb Military Museum Foundation Executive Board Member; Chairman of the Navy Recruiting District Assistance Council (RDAC); and as a Portland Rose Festival Director.
CDR Kirk and his wife Maureen currently reside in Portland where they own and operate Bright Wood Construction, Inc.
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