Parks Named Sea Control Mission Area Executive at Johns Hopkins APL

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, has named Vernon “CJ” Parks as the Sea Control mission area executive.

In this role, Parks will guide APL’s Sea Control Mission Area in supporting U.S. Navy and joint service missions to deliver essential capabilities on, under, and above the seas. The mission area focuses on ensuring maritime domain situational awareness; delivering sea-based effects to deter aggressors; enhancing force survivability; and enabling effective, affordable rapid prototyping and modernization to advance Navy missions. Together, these efforts help assure access around the globe for U.S. naval forces. In addition, Parks serves on the advisory board for the Submarine Technology Symposium.

A former Navy submarine officer, Parks merges strong program management skills with deep strategic and operational expertise developed over an extensive military career. His experience spans submarine operations, strategy and tactics, and naval force design; Joint Force Global Force Management and regional operations; and strategic command, control, and communications.

“CJ’s operational insight, technical acumen, and leadership make him exceptionally well qualified to lead Sea Control at this critical time for the Navy and the Joint Force,” said APL Director Dave Van Wie. “His prior Navy service and deep understanding of naval and joint operations will be instrumental as we work with our partners to deliver innovative, mission-focused solutions to strengthen maritime deterrence, enhance survivability, and ensure U.S. naval forces remain ready to meet emerging threats worldwide.”

Parks joined APL in 2019, and in 2021 was named program area manager for submarine warfare at APL. In this role, he led the Laboratory’s efforts in submarine security and warfare and a related portfolio of programs and initiatives focused on submarine stealth, sensors, tactical operations, and payloads. He also provided naval and joint military expertise to anti-submarine warfare operations and undersea operations.

Parks holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the Pennsylvania State University, a master’s degree in national security strategy from the National Defense University, and a master’s of business administration from Brenau University. He is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School’s senior executives in national and international security program.