charlie submarine background

Charlie Garza for
Texas State Board of Education

Why Choose Charlie Garza: A Proven Record of Success

Finalist - Texas Commissioner of Education
State Board of Education (former member)
Chair - UIL Advisory Council
Vice Chair - Committee on School Initiatives
Assistant Superintendent
Principal (High School & Middle School)
Assistant Principal (High School, Middle & Elementary)
Instruction Coach

Demanding work, exceptional results

Visionary

1986 planned, coordinated and developed a Navy distant learning collegiate prototype—known as “College on the Barge”—enabled sailors seeking college degrees to take credit-bearing courses taught by university professors who traveled to meet them in the fleet.

Saved over 120 million in two years

As the Commander Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet Representative training officer, he envisioned, developed, and launched a no-budget training program that helped submarine sailors maintain technical proficiency at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, CA while supporting overall fleet readiness.

Top Secret Control Officer (TSCO)

Following one of the most damaging espionage cases in American history—the John Anthony Walker Jr. spy ring—entrusted with restoring some of the United States Navy’s most sensitive, classified information. That assignment reflected the confidence placed in his judgment, the seriousness of his responsibilities, and his steadfast commitment to protecting our great nation.

Distinguished Visitor (DV) Aide

Served as military liaison to the White House; Howard Baker, President Reagan’s Chief of Staff; the Second Lady of the United States; the U.S. Senate Majority Leader; members of Congress; Navy admirals and other senior officers; Lee Greenwood; the Mandrell Sisters; and Miss America. Managed high-visibility, fast-paced office for the Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic.

In the Navy…

Awarded 54 letters of commendation, The Navy and Marine Corps. Commendation Medal and six Navy and Marine Corps. Achievement Medals.

San Diego Boot Camp

Guidon Bearer Company 145.  Honor Company – a designation awarded to the recruit training company that performs the best in overall competitions. “Meritorious Promotion.”

Personnelman "A" School

Completed a self-paced three-month course in 17 days. His performance in boot camp, academic nomination to the Naval Academy, and meritorious promotion led to his selection for submarine service.

Submarine School

An advanced, fast paced, and demanding training institution dedicated to developing highly skilled sailors who can safely operate, maintain, and support the Navy’s advanced nuclear-powered fleet.

USS FRANCIS S. KEY
(SSBN 657)(GOLD)

Benjamin Franklin-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, it played a key role in the U.S. strategic nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. Named for the author of the national anthem, it was part of the renowned “41 for Freedom” fleet and served from 1966 until its decommissioning in 1993. It was the first U.S. Navy submarine converted to carry and launch the Trident I C4 submarine-launched ballistic missile.

Navy Recruiting
Albuquerque, NM @ El Paso, TX

Regional command within Navy Recruiting Command, the station successfully recruited and enlisted sailors across New Mexico and parts of North and West Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Awarded 15 Navy Recruiting Gold Wreath which demonstrates sustained excellence, while his selection as Classifier of the Year reflects exceptional individual performance and leadership.

PCU to USS TENNESSEE
(SSBN 734)(GOLD)

“PCU” is a designation for a vessel and crew while the ship is under construction, completing sea trials, and preparing for active service. Once formally commissioned, the submarine’s prefix changes from “PCU” to “USS,” which stands for United States Ship. A “plankowner” is an original crew member assigned when the vessel is commissioned. This was the first submarine equipped to carry and launch the Trident II D5 ballistic missile.

USS ULYSSES S. GARNT
(SSBN 631)(GOLD)

A James Madison-class fleet ballistic missile submarine deployed from Holy Loch, Scotland, she played a critical role in strengthening U.S. Navy strategic deterrence during the Cold War. As Personnel Officer, I provided essential administrative and executive support for daily operations, maintaining schedules, official correspondence, legal documentation, and officer and enlisted service records to support mission readiness and crew effectiveness.

Commander Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet @
Mare Island

Served as a key West Coast center for submarine industrial operations, and repair. As Personnel Officer and Training Officer, I managed local submarine personnel, logistics, and overhaul support; developed a training program that saved the Navy $30 million over two years; provided direct oversight for submarines changing homeport before overhaul or decommissioning; and served as the military liaison for the San Francisco 49ers.

PCU to USS GREENEVILLE
(SSN 772)

Served aboard the only U.S. ship in history to bear this distinguished name. First assigned member, arriving months before a team of senior leaders and nuclear-trained specialists responsible for guiding construction, training, and crew readiness. As Personnel Officer, I built the ship’s administrative, pay, and personnel department from the ground up before commissioning. Later, as Public Affairs Officer, I coordinated visits from national leaders, distinguished guests, and community representatives, including U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Second Lady of the United States Tipper Gore, Albert Gore, Congressman Quillen, numerous senior officers, the U.S. Secret Service, and numerous representatives from the city of Greeneville, Tennessee.

Commander Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet

Appointed as the Top Secret Control Officer (TSCO), entrusted with protecting highly sensitive national security information through direct custody, accurate accountability, and careful tracking of Top Secret material. Within the submarine operations environment, where classified operational plans, tactical communications, and nuclear propulsion information are essential to mission success, this role helped safeguard critical information and reduce the risk of unauthorized disclosure. Responsibilities included verifying that personnel requesting access to Top Secret documents possessed the required clearance, including Top Secret/SCI when applicable, and had a legitimate need to know.

Served as a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO), representing the Secretary of the Navy while providing compassionate guidance, timely information, and essential resources to Primary and Secondary Next of Kin after the loss or disappearance of a Sailor. Supported families during deeply difficult circumstances by helping them understand available benefits, entitlements, and assistance programs. Responsibilities were tailored to the Sailor’s casualty status, including death or missing status, with a focus on easing administrative burdens and helping military families, including affected children, receive the care and support they needed.

Served as the primary administrative and clerical specialist for admirals and chiefs of staff, providing dependable support that helped senior leaders manage demanding schedules, official responsibilities, and mission priorities. Managed official correspondence, submarine travel, and executive calendars for the admiral and senior staff; coordinated evaluations, advancements, and awards; and supported the planning and execution of high-visibility events, including change-of-command ceremonies, foreign dignitary visits, and official fleet engagements. This work helped ensure timely communication, organized operations, and professional support for both leadership and personnel.