James Cochrane

James "Jim" Cochrane enlisted in June 1980 as a Seaman Recruit and reported to the Naval Academy Preparatory Academy. Accepted Congressional nomination to the Naval Academy and was indoctrinated on July 7, 1981. Jim graduated in 1985 with merit, majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Chinese language and politics. Attended East China Normal University in Shanghai, China after graduation, to complete post-graduate studies in Chinese language and culture. Entered flight school in December 1985, and earned his Naval Flight Officer wings in May 1987. Assigned to Electronic Warfare Officer school, graduating with honors in Sept 1987. Ordered to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squardron TWO in Rota Spain in Dec 1987. Jim flew over-the-horizon reconnaissance missions in the North Atlantic, Baltic and Mediterranean Seas, earning the distinction of Mission Commander during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990/1991. Following a tour as the Naval Strategy Analyst for the Naval Intelligence Center, Jim resigned his commission in 1992, and attended Columbia Business School. As a naval reservist, Jim was assigned to VP-66 in Willow Grove, PA, Staff for the Commander, Pacific Fleet and the USS Eisenhower. Jim separated from the US Naval Reserve in 2005 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

In 2010, Jim re-enlisted in the NJ Army National Guard as a Sergeant with a MOS of Intelligence Analyst. Jim served as a squad leader and platoon leader in the NJ Army National Guard Military Intelligence Company for seven years. His last assignment was as an instructor with the virtual weapons training center at Ft Dix, NJ.

Jim retired from military service with 36 active years on Dec 31, 2021 with the rank of Major, US Army.