Commander Mark J. Fields
Executive Director of the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
Hosted by, David Daniels
This week, the Point Clear Rotary Club was honored to host Commander Mark K. Fields, U.S. Navy (Ret.), as our guest speaker.
A native of Leavenworth, Kansas, Commander Fields earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas before commissioning as an officer through Naval Officer Candidate School in 1987. Over a 20-year Navy career, he distinguished himself as a dedicated Surface Warfare Officer with assignments aboard multiple ships, including the USS Bronstein, USS Buchanan, USS McInerney, USS Pioneer, and USS Ardent. His leadership at sea encompassed roles from Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer to Executive Officer.
Ashore, Commander Fields served in critical training and leadership positions, including as an instructor at the Surface Warfare Officers School, Executive Officer of Assault Craft Unit FOUR, and Commanding Officer of Naval Reserve Centers in Tuscaloosa and Meridian. His leadership earned the Tuscaloosa center the 2001 Sidney Fields Award for Best Overall Reserve Center in the Region.
His final military assignments in Washington, D.C., included service with the Joint Staff (J-1) and the Naval Sea Systems Command before retiring in 2007. His numerous commendations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and multiple Navy Commendation and Achievement Medals.
Following military service, Commander Fields continued to lead in public service roles, including Tuscaloosa County License Commissioner and Chief Human Resource Officer for the City of Tuscaloosa. In 2024, he was named Executive Director of the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, where he continues his mission of honoring military service and preserving naval history.
We thank Commander Fields for sharing his extraordinary journey in leadership and service—and for inspiring our club with his continued dedication to our country and community.
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