Castleton-on-Hudson resident Don McKnight promoted to captain in New York Naval Militia
Latham, NY (04/15/2021) — New York Naval Militia member Don McKnight, a Castleton-on-Hudson resident, was promoted to the rank of captain during a short ceremony held on Thursday, April 15, at New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters in Latham, New York.
The New York Naval Militia is a New York State military force comprised mainly of serving members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard reserve who agree to person state duty missions. They put the skills they acquire in the federal naval service to work for New York.
The New York Naval Militia falls under the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs and reports to the governor through Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General of New York.
Some members, like McKnight, are retired from federal service and continue to service.
McKnight, who joined the Navy as an ensign in 1983, currently works full-time for the Naval Militia as the commander of the New York Military Emergency Boat Service or MEBS, for short.
MEBS maintains a fleet of nine patrol boats which work in conjunction with law enforcement, the U.S. Coast Guard and other state agencies as required for security of other missions.
As a Navy surface warfare officer, McKnight served five tours at sea, based in Newport, Rhode Island, Little Creek, Virginia, Ingleside, Texas and Norfolk, Virginia and San Diego, California.
His shore assignments included the Navy Recruiting District in Cleveland, Ohio and Naval Coastal Warfare Group Two in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Prior to retiring from the Navy in 2005, he commanded Navy Reserve Centers in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania and Glens Falls, New York.
McKnight joined the New York Naval Militia in 2005.
His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Naval and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and several campaign, unit and service awards.\
McKnight is a graduate of the State University of New York at Oswego, St. Francis College in Loretto, Pennsylvania, and the United States Naval War College.
Media Attachments
Patricia McKnight pins captains eagles on the uniform of her husband Don McKnight during his promotion ceremony at New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters in Latham on April 15, 2021 as Read Admiral Warren Smith, the commander of the New York Naval Militia looks on.