Our team.
Commander Garrett Jones, USN Retired
Commander (CDR) Jones joined the Dunedin High School staff as the Senior Naval Science Instructor in August of 2021. Born in Memphis, TN, and having grown up in Chicago, IL, and Rochester, NY, CDR Jones received his commission in 1994 after graduating from the United States Naval Academy.
Throughout his distinguished Navy career, CDR Jones held various key roles at sea, including Communications Officer aboard USS CARTER HALL, Navigator on USS BOONE, Combat Systems Officer on USS O'BANNON, and Executive Officer on USS KLAKRING. He also served on the staff of Destroyer Squadron EIGHTEEN aboard USS ENTERPRISE. His extensive deployment experience includes operations in the Mediterranean as part of Standing Naval Forces Mediterranean (SNFM), in the Arabian Gulf for Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF), and in South America for UNITAS and Counter-Illicit Trafficking Operations.
His shore tours were just as impactful, with assignments including RSO Norfolk (Combat Systems and Training/Readiness), COMSECONDFLT (Fleet Tomahawk Training and Readiness), USNAVSO/COMFOURTHFLT (Current Operations Director), and Destroyer Squadron FOURTEEN (Chief Staff Officer). Notably, while at SECONDFLT, he led the certification of the first strike group in Tactical Tomahawk.
CDR Jones holds a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture from the U.S. Naval Academy, a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, and a Master of Science in National Security and Strategic Studies, which includes JPME Phase II, from the U.S. Naval War College.
His military accomplishments are reflected in a series of prestigious decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), the Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), the Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, and others.
In the classroom, CDR Jones brings the same commitment to excellence that he displayed throughout his naval career. He continually challenges cadets to perform their best, holding them to the highest standards. He is passionate about mentoring cadets, always willing to work with those who are ready to meet him halfway and put in the effort to learn. Whether he’s helping cadets refine their leadership skills or guiding them through academic challenges, CDR Jones treats every cadet with respect and accountability, ensuring they earn everything they achieve.
Beyond his work in the classroom, CDR Jones is an avid bowler and a die-hard Detroit Lions fan. He’s also deeply invested in academics, often offering his assistance to cadets who need help with concepts in other classes. His commitment to lifelong learning and his drive to help cadets reach their full potential make him a passionate and dedicated mentor.
Chief Petty Officer Chris Johnson
Chief Chris Johnson joined the Dunedin High School Staff as a Naval Science Instructor in August of 2020, and as of the 2025-2026 school year, he is beginning his 7th year of teaching. A native of Southern California, Chief Johnson comes from a 3rd generation Navy family—his mother, uncle, grandmother, grandfather, and step-father all served in the Navy. As the Class of 2000 walked the stage, Chief Johnson realized that he wasn't quite ready for college or rather...college wasn't ready for him. At the age of 18, he volunteered for submarine duty in the United States Navy, shipping out to Great Lakes Recruit Training Command. Chief Johnson was able to leverage his NJROTC experience, resulting in his automatic advancement to Seaman and ultimately making the transition smoother and setting the foundation for his future success.
In his Navy career, he most recently served at Submarine Development Squadron Twelve Tactical Analysis Group (CSDS-12 TAG) as the Submarine Assistant Navigator, where he became the subject matter expert for submarine navigation and mission planning systems. He also served as the US Navy liaison for tactical development exercises with the Royal Australian Navy, as well as the Norwegian and Chilean submarine forces. He was stationed aboard three submarines: USS Michigan SSBN-727, USS Georgia SSGN-729, USS Hawaii SSN-776 and deployed on several others.
After his mandatory medical retirement in 2015, Chief Johnson transitioned into a defense contractor role with Network and Simulation Technologies attached to the Undersea Warfighting Development Center Tactical Analysis Group (UWDG TAG), where he led the technical direction of submarine navigation and mission planning systems. Prior to his role at Dunedin High School, Chief Johnson taught at Bridgeport Military Academy as part of the Naval Science Department.
In NJROTC, Chief Johnson takes a mentoring approach that treats cadets as young adults. He holds them accountable and believes that they must earn everything they receive. However, he’s committed to teaching them how to earn it, not just giving them things. Chief Johnson is passionate about equipping cadets with the soft skills they need to be successful in whatever they choose to pursue. Whether a cadet decides to join the military or pursue another path, Chief Johnson is invested in helping them achieve their goals. "I don’t get paid any more or any less if someone joins the military," he says. "But I am invested in their success, no matter what that looks like."
Chief Johnson is passionate about lifelong learning and views teaching as an opportunity to continually grow, both personally and professionally. This led him to pursue his Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Management from Liberty University in 2014 and complete his Master of Divinity in Chaplain Ministry from Regent University in Spring 2025.
Chief Johnson is committed to using his experience to mentor cadets and guide them in their leadership and personal growth. He loves to laugh—sometimes with cadets, but mostly at them—creating a fun and engaging atmosphere that makes learning enjoyable.
He can be reached via email at johnsonchristoph@pcsb.org.