Commander Eugene B. Ackerman, a native of Teaneck, New Jersey, was commissioned Ensign in September, 1949, upon graduation from the New York State Maritime Academy, Fort Schuyler, New York. The majority of his career thus far has been spent at sea in a variery of engineering billets.

    He served aboard the USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CVA-47) and on the precommissioning details of the USS BALTIMORE (CA-68) and the USS JOHN S. McCAIN (DL-3). In 1955, Commander Ackerman attended General Line School and thereafter was assigned to the Auxiliary Type Desk in the Bureau of Ships, concentrating his efforts on underway replenishment techniques and equipment. He served three years in the Naval Reactor Office of the Atomic Energy Commission, Mechanical Components Group, during the developmert of power plants for the USS TRITON and USS BAINBRIDGE.

    Late in 1960, Commarder Ackerman assisted in commissioning the USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64) as Damage Control Assistant. He then spent a tour as Executive Officer aboard the USS BARTON (DD-722).

    After 13 years on active duty, Commander Ackerman returned to school and was awarded a Master of Science in Management at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York. Upon graduation from postgraduate school, Commander Ackerman was assigned to the USS RANGER (CVA-61) as Engineering Officer. He was promoted to his present rank of Commander in September of 1964. He assumed command of GURKE on 1 April, 1968.