In June 1979, he became executive officer of USS Mississippi (CGN-40) and remained in that post until May 1981, when he was ordered to the Surface Warfare Officers School Command at Newport, Rhode Island in preparation for assignment in command of USS Coontz (DDG-40).
Selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half) on 26 June 1986, he served as commander, Naval Base, Seattle, Washington from July 1986 to September 1988, in which position he was responsible for all naval activities in the states of Washington, Oregon, and Alaska.