Commander Mark J. Gaouette has joined Princess Cruises as the line`s director of security. In this position, he will oversee the security operations for Princess` fleet of 11 ships, which call at more than 260 ports around the world.
Gaouette brings to Princess more than 20 years of active duty and reserve experience in the U.S. Navy as well as considerable background as a criminal investigator and force protection officer with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service in San Diego. In addition, Gaouette has served as a special agent with the U.S. Department of State`s Bureau of Diplomatic Security, with assignments as a Regional Security Officer at the U.S. Embassies in Bolivia, Nicaragua, Moscow, Beirut and Yemen.
“With his naval background and security experience with the Department of State, Commander Gaouette comes uniquely qualified to address security issues that have arisen worldwide in recent times,” said Brian Langston-Carter, executive vice president of fleet operations for Princess. “The safety and security of our passengers, crew and ships remains our highest priority, and we are pleased to have his expertise as he oversees this key area for us.”
Well versed in maritime security issues, Gaouette earned his Surface Warfare Officer designation standing shipboard watches as officer of the deck, combat information center watch officer and engineering officer of the watch during his active duty aboard the USS Tarawa.
As part of the U.S. Naval Reserve, Gaouette served in a variety of Naval Intelligence Reserve Units, providing counterintelligence and counter-terrorism support to the Navy`s fleets. As a civilian special agent with the Department of State, he has served in a variety of domestic and overseas assignments including Diplomatic Security Service Headquarters at the Department of State in Washington D.C. Gaouette also saw brief service as a civilian special agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Gaouette holds numerous service medals and commendations from the Navy, including the Navy/Marine Achievement Medal and the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, earned for force protection support to Operation “Enduring Freedom” in 2003.
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