Rear Adm. Jay Clark is a native of Pembroke, Georgia and graduated from Bryan County High School. He is a 1995 graduate of Morris Brown College where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and received his commission through NROTC Morehouse in Atlanta, Georgia. Clark also holds a Master’s Degree in Systems Management from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

Clark’s sea duty assignments include tours in USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3) as an Engineering and Deck Division Officer, USS HAYLER (DD 997) as Navigator/Administration Officer, USS ROSS (DDG 71) as the Chief Engineer, and Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-EIGHT as the Materiel and Logistics Officer. He served as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of USS ROOSEVELT (DDG 80) and Deputy Commodore and Commodore for Destroyer Squadron ONE.

Clark’s shore duty assignments include Flag Aide to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa and Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, OPNAV N96 as Destroyers Branch Head, Deputy Executive Assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Commanding Officer of Afloat Training Group Mayport, Deputy Director, 21st Century Sailor Office (OPNAV N17) and Executive Assistant to Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Clark’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the 2003-2004 Commander, Naval Surface Force Leadership Award and the 2021 Stars and Stripes BEYA Award.

Clark assumed the duties of Commander, Carrier Strike Group One in January of 2026.
 

Last Updated: 5 February 2026