Commander Cao was born
in Saigon, Vietnam. After immigrating to the United States in 1975, his
family relocated to West Africa, returning to the United States in
1982. He graduated with the first graduating class from Thomas Jefferson
High School for Science and Technology in 1989, then entered the Navy
as a Seaman Recruit. He was commissioned from the U.S. Naval Academy in
1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering and immediately
commenced training in the Navy’s Special Operations program.
After Dive School and Surface Warfare School, he reported to USS Grasp (ARS
51) in 1997 as the Assistant Chief Engineer, then as the Operations
Officer, where he conducted high profile salvage operations including
the recovery of John F. Kennedy Jr. and the Civil War Ironclad USS Monitor.
In 2001, after Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) school, he reported as
Officer In Charge (OIC) to EOD Mobile Unit Two detachment 26 while
deploying with Truman Carrier Strike Group for the launch of Operation
Iraqi Freedom. In 2003, he reported as OIC for EOD Mobile Unit Three
Detachment Southwest where he supported local and federal law
enforcement agencies in over 200 emergency responses in the San Diego
area as part of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. He helped in
drafting the annex to the treaty between the U.S. and Mexico for
munitions recovery in Mexico and led the first two missions. In 2005, he
was selected as Flag Aide to Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet/Allied Joint
Command Lisbon/Strike Force NATO. During his tour, he participated in
the first NATO Response Force deployment that aided in the disaster
relief for the Pakistan earthquake. In 2006 he attended the Naval
Postgraduate School and graduated with a Masters in Applied Physics.
While attending school he helped to form and personally trained the
Monterey County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad. In 2009, he deployed to Iraq as
the OIC for the Combined Explosives Exploitation Cell (CEXC). This
multi-national, multi-agency, and multi-service unit processed ALL IEDs
in theatre for technical and forensics intelligence, averaging 22,000
items from 450 cases per month, his unit was accredited with writing
over 250 arrest warrants and aiding in the conviction of numerous
terrorists. In 2010, he reported to Riverine Squadron One as Executive
Officer and led the Squadron’s last combat deployment to Iraq. In
November 2011, CDR Cao reported to OPNAV N96 where he worked
requirements for Anti-Terrorism, Force Protection (AT/FP), Visit, Board,
Search and Seizure (VBSS), Chemical, Biological, Radiological and
Nuclear Defense (CBRND) for the surface force. Additionally he is the
subject matter expert for the Navy’s Biometrics program.
CDR Cao assumed Command of Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center on September 6, 2013.
CDR Cao is authorized
to wear the EOD Officer, Special Operations, Diving Officer, Surface
Warfare Officer, Master EOD Technician and Naval Parachutist Badges. His
personal awards include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal,
Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three
awards), Army Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal (four
awards) and various unit and service awards. He is native linguist in
French and Vietnamese.
Navy Diving and Salvage Training Center Welcomes Aboard New Commander
Posted: Sep 06, 2013 6:48 PM EDTUpdated: Sep 20, 2013 6:40 PM EDT
Incoming commander Hung
Cao relieves Commander Michael Egan at the Navy Diving and Salvage
Training Center at Naval Support Activity Panama City.
For many serving in the United States Navy, only a small percentage make it to that position.
"To be a commanding officer is really the pinnacle," said Commander Cao. "It's where we all strive to be."
His journey tells the story maybe even more so than the medals on his uniform
"I was a Vietnamese
refugee," said Cao. "We came over here in 1975 and this country gave us
purpose, it gave us education, and really citizenship; being a part of
something great."
Commander Cao has had
anything but a traditional run at the position that overlooks maybe the
most elite special operations and dive training in the world from his
life long friend.
"When we talked earlier
about what it takes to become a commanding officer it's a lot of your
peers who pulls you up along the way," said Cao. "And he's one of my
peers and one of my close friends who has pulled me up along the way and
over the years."
As sequestration and other obstacles face commanders in terms of downsizing, that won't be a concern for Cao in the same way.
"In fact if anything we
will be augmented more, because a lot of the missions in the world is
going to be focused on special operations and diving," said Cao. "Our
concern is really how it's going to happen when we have to expand even
more."
And as his wife pinned
on his new rank, they began their lives in Panama City, which is a
second go around for Cao who he himself went through dive school at
Naval Support Activity Panama City.
"It's just nice to be
back in the south and be embraced by the community," said Cao. "And just
to for people to greet you and just say 'hi'. That's a big difference
for us."
Cao is also fluent in both French and Vietnamese and is the subject matter expert for the Navy's Biometrics Program.
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