www.usna.edu
ANNAPOLIS, MD. — Paul Fujimura has been selected as the International Programs Office Director for the U.S. Naval Academy effective July 29. Mr. Fujimura, who currently serves as the Senior Liaison Officer to the Department of State for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), emerged as the successful candidate from a nationwide search. The International Programs Office at USNA enhances the globalization of midshipman education by seeking and creating opportunities that contribute to midshipman knowledge regarding strategically important geographic regions and proficiency in foreign languages as defined by Navy leadership.
“Globalization is more important than ever to the preparation of future officers,” said Provost Samara Firebaugh. “Paul Fujimura has significant diplomatic, national security, and managerial experience, and he also understands the academic environment. I’m confident that he is the right person to lead this important USNA program.”
Mr. Fujimura received his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley and Master’s degree in National Security Affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. He served in the Navy as an A-6 Intruder Bombardier-Navigator (forward-deployed with Attack Squadron 115 aboard USS MIDWAY (CV-41)) and as an instructor in the Political Science Department at the Naval Academy. He flew 38 combat sorties during Operation Desert Storm. He then became a Foreign
Service Officer and has held a number of positions within the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security before joining TSA.
“Naval Academy graduates can expect to serve abroad as alliances and coalitions remain bedrocks of our national security strategy. Future military leaders will need cross-cultural competence — the mind-set, skills, and empathy that come with international experiential learning — to engage our foreign partners successfully and effectively,” said Fujimura. “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve with the dedicated IPO team delivering on the critical goal of opening doors for midshipmen to develop their global awareness. Midshipmen come back more committed to lifelong learning and development, and they are better prepared for what the future holds.”
Established as the undergraduate college of the nation's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Naval Academy midshipmen are active-duty members of the U.S. Navy. They undergo four years of rigorous education, graduating with bachelor of science degrees and commissions as ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Graduates of the Naval Academy commit to a minimum of five years of service in the Navy or Marine Corps.
For more information about the Naval Academy, visit www.usna.edu and our Facebook page. For more information about our International Programs Office, visit https://www.usna.edu/InternationalProgram.
