Admiral Jeremy M. Boorda enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1956. He attained the rank of petty officer first class, serving at a number of commands, primarily in aviation. His last two enlisted assignments were in Attack Squadron 144 and Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 11. He was selected for commissioning under the Integration Program in 1962. Following Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, and commissioning in August 1962, Admiral Boorda served aboard USS Porterfield (DD 682) as Combat Information Center Officer. He attended Naval Destroyer School in Newport and in 1964 was assigned as Weapons Officer, USS John R. Craig (DD 885). His next tour was as Commanding Officer, USS Parrot (MSC 197).Admiral Boorda's first shore tour was as a weapons instructor at Naval Destroyer School in Newport. In 1971, after attending the U.S. Naval War College and also earning a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Rhode Island, he assumed duties as Executive Officer, USS Brooke (DEG 1). That tour was followed by a short period at the University of Oklahoma and an assignment as Head, Surface Lieutenant Commander /Assistant for Captain Detailing in the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Washington, D.C.From 1975 to 1977, Admiral Boorda commanded USS Farragut (DDG 37). He was next assigned as Executive Assistant to the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Washington, D.C. He relieved the civilian presidential appointee in that position, remaining until 1981 when he took command of Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-TWO.In 1983 and 1984, he served as Executive Assistant to the Chief of Naval Personnel/Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Manpower, Personnel and Training. In December 1984, he assumed his first flag officer assignment as Assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations, remaining until July 1986.His next assignment was Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group EIGHT in Norfolk, Virginia; he served as a Carrier Battle Group Commande