CO, XO and CMC
Commander Keith C. Woodley
Pre-Commissioning Commanding Officer
USS GABRIELLE GIFFORDS (LCS 10)
Commander Keith C. Woodley, USN is a native of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. He is a graduate of the Florida A & M University and the Florida Institute of Technology. He holds a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Business with a focus in Information System.
At sea, Commander Woodley served as the Damage Control Officer onboard USS Samuel Elliott Morrison (FFG 13), the Combat Information Center Division Officer and Assistant Weapons Officer onboard USS Anzio (CG 68), the Chief Engineer onboard to USS DOYLE (FFG 39), the Logistic and Readiness Assistant Chief of Staff (N4) for Commander, Carrier Strike Group EIGHT, and the Executive Officer onboard USS Kauffman (FFG 59). Ashore, Commander Woodley he served as Engineering Readiness Assessor in Afloat Training Group, Atlantic, and as Current Operations Observer Trainer for the Deployable Training Division on the Joint Staff (N7).
He is currently serving as Commanding Officer of Littoral Combat Ship Crew 210- Buccaneers. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3), Navy Achievement Medal (2), and various other campaign and service awards.
Commander Shawn M. Cowan
Pre-Commissioning Executive Officer
USS GABRIELLE GIFFORDS (LCS 10)
Commander Shawn M. Cowan, USN is a native of New London, CT and attended the United States Naval Academy. Upon earning his commission in 1998, CDR Cowan reported to his initial sea tour onboard USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CG 58) where he served as Damage Control Assistant.
He reported to his second division officer tour onboard USS NICHOLAS (FFG 47) as the Navigator and Administrative Officer. As a department head, CDR Cowan served as Chief Engineer onboard USS HIGGINS (DDG 76).
For his second department head tour, CDR Cowan served as a Chief Engineer onboard USS ANTIETAM (CG 54). His additional sea assignment was as Assistant Surface Operations Officer, Carrier Strike Group 11 (NIMITZ Strike Group). Ashore, CDR Cowan served in PERS-41 as a Surface Junior Officer Detailer.
In May 2010, he joined OPNAV (N8F/N9I) as Deputy, Shipbuilding Conversion Manager assisting in the development of the Navy’s shipbuilding plan and budgeting for new construction and modernization. Following his OPNAV tour, he reported to the Surface Warfare Officer’s School where he served as Director, International Training. His most recent assignment was at COMNAVSURFLANT where he served as a Senior Assessor in the Material Readiness and Assessments (N44) Directorate. CDR Cowan has a Master's of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. CDR Cowan's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, six Navy Commendation Medals, three Navy Achievement Medals, as well as various unit and campaign awards.
CMDCM(SS/FMF) Ric Bolton
Pre-Commissioning Command Master Chief
USS GABRIELLE GIFFORDS (LCS 10)
CMDCM(SS/FMF) Ric Bolton, USN enlisted in the Navy in April 1995 and attended basic training at Recruit Training Center, Great Lakes Illinois. Upon completion of recruit training, he attended Hospital Corps "A" School Great Lakes. After graduating from HM "A" School he attended Field Medical Service School at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Upon successful completion of this training, Master Chief Bolton was assigned to his first command at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Virginia.
Master Chief Bolton’s first sea duty tour was to VMFA-224, Marine Aircraft Group 31, Beaufort, South Carolina. During this tour he completed a WESTPAC and qualified Fleet Marine Force (FMF). His next shore assignment was Leading Petty Officer, Materials Management Department, Naval Hospital Keflavik, Iceland from 2000-2002. In 2002 Master Chief Bolton reported to the Naval Undersea Medical Institute (NUMI) in Groton, Connecticut for Submarine Independent Duty Corpsman “C” school. He graduated as the class “Honorman” in October 2003 and was meritoriously promoted to HM1. In late 2003 he reported as Medical Department Representative (MDR), USS Nevada (SSBN 733)(GOLD).
Master Chief Bolton qualified for Enlisted Submarine Warfare (SS), made five SSBN deterrent patrols and was the ships Sailor of the year for 2004 and 2005. In 2006 the now Master Chief Bolton reported as Staff Corpsman, Commander Submarine Forces. Upon his detachment in 2009, he was selected to Senior Chief. His next sea assignment was on the USS Maine (SSBN 741)(Gold) where he served as MDR and ACOB from 2009 -2012.
Master Chief Bolton reported for his shore assignment as Senior Enlisted Leader for Naval Branch Health Clinic Naval Base San Diego followed by Senior Enlisted Leader for the Directorate for Surgical Services at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Master Chief Bolton was selected for Command Senior Chief in February 2016 and reported to LCS Crew 210 for his first SEL at sea assignment. Master Chief Bolton is a graduate of Senior Enlisted Academy class 182 and Command Master Chief / Chief of the Boat class 155. Master Chief Bolton holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Trident University International.