BOARD MEMBER
Blythe Blakistone
“Professionally and personally, I value being a part of organizations that stand for strength, bravery, and to question the status quo. I truly believe we need to pour into all generations to make this world a better place.”
U.S. Navy
COMMANDER,
Chief Staff Officer and Information Warfare Readiness Officer for Afloat Forces West
Commander Blakistone commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer and became an Information Professional Officer in 2013. She served operational tours as Electronics Warfare Officer, Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer, and Navigator onboard USS CHOSIN (CG 65), with two deployments to the Northern Arabian Gulf in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; as the Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer onboard USS KIDD (DDG 100), which deployed to the South China Sea, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Gulf; and as Combat Systems Officer onboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72), which deployed to the Mediterranean, the Northern Arabian Sea, and completed an Around the World deployment to shift to 3rd Fleet asset. In addition to her afloat tours, she operationally served as an Individual Augmentee as the Headquarters Company Commander for the Iraq Assistance Group, Baghdad, Iraq; and as the Assistant Operations Officer and Training Officer at Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic in Norfolk, Virginia. Her previous shore tour assignments include: Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Instructor at The University of Texas at Austin in Austin, TX; and as Project Manager, J6 Executive Assistant, and Aide-de-Camp for NORAD and USNORTHCOM in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her first command tour was the Commanding Officer of Naval Special Warfare Tactical Communications Command ONE in Coronado, CA. She is currently the Chief Staff Officer and Information Warfare Readiness Officer in charge of Afloat Forces – West.
Commander Blakistone is qualified as an Information Warfare Officer and Surface Warfare Officer. She had the privilege of serving with teams who earned six Battle Efficiency awards, two Joint Meritorious Unit Commendations, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Navy Unit Commendation. Her personal awards include Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medals.
HOW TO BECOME ATHENIAN
Teachings of a Mentor
Athena Racing promotes an amazing vision “to see a girl in every level of business who helps to drive transportation and humankind forward.” Growing up, there were no organizations which encouraged girls to explore STEM fields of study. I learned small parts of fixing cars from my dad and cherish every moment of his time for teaching me the basics. Throughout my career, I have seen how important it is for young ladies to know they have many talents, intelligence, and confidence to be in the workplace and especially those within the STEM field. Together with Athena Racing, I want to be the bridge for young ladies to have professional careers and to know they are valued.
Top Accomplishment
As the Commanding Officer of Naval Special Warfare Tactical Communications Command, I am the first woman to command in the Naval Special Warfare community. I led 180 Sailors to train in supporting Special Operations Forces with computer networks and radio communications.
Awards
Served on teams that have earned the Joint Meritorious Unit Awards, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit commendation and 6 Battle Efficiency Awards.
Personal awards include Meritorious Service Medals, Defense Meritorious Service Medals, and Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals.