Commander Amando Cope was born in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in San Diego, California. He graduated from the University of Southern California in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering. He received his commission from the Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps, where he was the Midshipman Battalion Commander. He also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Georgetown University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Business Administration (emphasis in Management) from The George Washington University.

His operational assignments include serving aboard USS San Juan (SSN 751) as a division officer, USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) as Submarine Operations Officer on the staff of Destroyer Squadron 21, USS Asheville (SSN 758) as Operations Officer and Navigator, USS Houston (SSN 713) as Combat Systems Officer, and Undersea Rescue Command as Executive Officer. He deployed to the United States Central Command area of responsibility supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn, and other counter-terrorism operations.

Ashore he is a “plank owner” at NROTC Unit Rutgers/Princeton and was the Deputy Federal Program Manager for Research and Development in the Office of Engineering and Technology Maturation (NA-123) and the Executive Director for the Office of Stockpile Management (NA12), both within the Office of Defense Programs, National Nuclear Security Administration, United States Department of Energy.

Commander Cope has worked with teams awarded the Navy Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Battle Efficiency “E” Award. He is also authorized to wear the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various campaign and service awards.