In our interview, Jac O. Ullman III ‘02 speaks about his post-graduate experience at Mercersburg Academy through the Naval Academy Foundation program. He notes how the strong sense of community at Mercersburg remains important to him today. Commander Ullman, growing up in South Carolina, mentions that he has always felt it was his civil duty and obligation to serve his country—his grandfather served in the Army, and other family members served in World War II—and, growing up near the water in South Carolina, he felt compelled to join the Navy. Commander Ullman outlines his career, elaborating on his various tours in Norfolk, San Diego, Texas, Bahrain, and the Arabian Gulf, as well as his time in Washington D.C. at the Pentagon and the Washington Navy Yard. Additionally, he shares his educational experience at the Monterey Naval Postgraduate School where he earned his master's degree in Systems Engineering Analysis and at the Defense Language Institute where he studied Portuguese. He remarks on the challenges of leadership, such as holding people accountable to ensure a positive working environment, and he reflects on the importance of service in all forms. Currently, Commander Ullman is at the Washington Navy Yard working on Conventional Prompt Strike. Read his detailed military career biography here.