On Watch, Always: Securing America’s Future Through Service
A Luncheon with Rear Admiral James P. Waters III,
Commander, Navy Recruiting Command
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
The 786 Club invites you to a luncheon at the Union League Club of Chicago featuring Rear Admiral James P. Waters III, A seasoned submarine commander and senior naval strategist, Admiral Waters now leads the mission to attract the next generation of Sailors—those who will defend freedom, uphold peace, and secure the maritime interests of the United States in an increasingly contested world.
As threats multiply across domains—cyber, sea, and space—America’s Navy must remain unmatched in capability and character. Admiral Waters will offer a candid perspective on the challenges of recruiting in today’s competitive environment, the importance of public support for the all-volunteer force, and how we can inspire service among the nation’s best and brightest.
Whether you are a civic leader, veteran, educator, or concerned citizen, this is an opportunity to engage directly with one of the Navy’s foremost voices on personnel, strategy, and service.
Cost: $45.00 | Attire: Business attire or service dress (TO SIGN UP: ULCC members merely go online to ulcc.org and register; Non-members need to have a ULCC member register them—send Captain Len Wass your request at wcginc@aol.com or text at 630-816-7612; pay him the $45 by mail or at the luncheon)
Rear Adm. James Waters is a native of Ellington, Connecticut, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1989 with a degree in Systems Engineering. He completed graduate studies at Oxford University in 1991.
His sea tours include various division officer assignments on USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730G), engineering officer on USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) and executive officer on USS Alabama (SSBN 731B). He commanded USS Virginia (SSN 774) and Submarine Squadron 4.
His staff assignments include operations officer at Submarine Squadron 2, engineer at Submarine Squadron 3, submarine executive officer detailer, deputy commander of Submarine Squadron 1, battle watch commander and chief of staff for U.S. Strategic Command’s Director of Global Operations (J3), CNO Strategic Studies Group 35, and as deputy executive director for the Chief of Naval Personnel.
As a flag officer, his tours include Director, Maritime Headquarters, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander, Submarine Group 2 in Norfolk, Virginia, and Director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy, OPNAV (N13) in Arlington, Virginia.
Waters assumed his current duties in March 2024 as Commander, Navy Recruiting Command in Millington, TN.
His decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various other individual, unit, campaign and service awards. He is most proud of those awards that reflect the hard work and success of the many teams he has been privileged to serve.
