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LT Michael Saunders, a native of Saunderstown, Rhode Island, graduated with honors from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in May 2003. Immediately following graduation he reported to USS PRINCETON (CG 59) which was completing an 8 month extended deployment in support of Iraqi Freedom. He served onboard for over two years as both CF Division Officer and First Lieutenant, completing two deployments. In the summer of 2005, he also served as Lead Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) Officer and his team was the first Surface Navy Non-Compliant Boarding qualified (NCB) team to be deployed to 5th FLT. While onboard, USS PRINCETON (CG 59) was awarded both the Navy Battle “E” award and the Navy Unit Commendation.
In March 2006 after completing the Operations Officer school pipeline at the Mine Warfare Training Center, he reported as Operations Officer to MCM CREW EXULTANT embarked on USS PIONEER (MCM 9). Onboard USS PIONEER, he supervised the completion of the Basic Phase and led his Operations Department through successful Squadron and Gulf of Mexico exercises. As a member of MCM CREW EXULTANT he conducted two deployments to FIFTH FLT onboard USS DEXTROUS (MCM 13) participating in numerous exercises including FAWOMOEX 07-1 and IDEX-07. While onboard, MCM CREW EXULTANT was awarded the Navy Battle “E” award for two consecutive years.
LT Saunders and his twin brother are the youngest of five children. He was married to Georgia O’Keefe Saunders in July 2004 in Annapolis, MD; the couple has no children and lives in Arnold, MD.
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