Lt. Joshua Mayberry, a native of Panama City, FL, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2017 with a BS in Computer Engineering. He began flight school in Pensacola, FL, training on the T-6B Texan (VT-3) and TH-57 Jet Ranger (HT-28) in Milton, FL. In 2019, he earned his Naval Aviator wings and completed MH-60S Knighthawk training at HSC-3 in San Diego, CA.
Assigned to HSC-4 aboard the USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70), Mayberry served as Ground Training Officer, Joint Mission Planning Officer, and Publication Liaison Officer, achieving key qualifications including Helicopter Second Pilot (H2P), Helicopter Engagement and Turn Officer (HETO), and Helicopter Control Officer (HCO). He completed a nine-month deployment in the 7th Fleet area of operations and participated in RIMPAC 2022 as the squadron’s Scheduling Officer. With over 340 flight hours, Mayberry executed diverse missions such as Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), Search and Rescue (SAR), and tactical operations like HVBSS and Close Air Support (CAS).
In December 2022, Mayberry transitioned to the Engineering Duty Officer Community (EDO) where he was first assigned to the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC PAC) to assist in software program acquisitions, including the support of Project Overmatch. He also led 25 NIWC PAC personnel in organizing the high visibility Change of Command ceremony. Mayberry is currently studying Space System Engineering at the Naval Postgraduate School. He resides in Monterey, CA, with his wife and one-year old son and six-year old dog.
The most impactful part of my time at NPS has been the connections I’ve made—with my classmates, professors, and fellow members of PBSA, the Drone Club, and the Del Monte Brass. Transitioning from a fast-paced environment to an academic setting has given me the opportunity to reflect on what truly matters to me.
Shortly after arriving, I welcomed my first child, which instantly shifted my priorities. However, being at NPS has made that transition much smoother, as it’s a place that deeply values family. The support and understanding I’ve received from my peers, faculty, and staff—many of whom are also balancing school and family—have been invaluable. I’m incredibly grateful for this community and the opportunity to grow both academically and personally, and I don’t take that for granted.
My studies in Space Systems Engineering have been both fascinating and deeply valuable for the work I hope to pursue. I’ve focused on autonomous robotic systems for on-orbit servicing and docking—an area that ties into critical topics like space refueling and space debris management. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to this field during my time at NPS.
With the rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence, one of the most exciting challenges is integrating AI into autonomous space systems. My research is centered on leveraging AI to design and test an on-orbit servicing robotic system. Simply put, I want to develop a robot that can autonomously approach a satellite, identify it using AI, and use a robotic arm to capture and service it. It’s an ambitious challenge with enormous potential benefits. While I may not be able to fully realize this vision before I graduate, I hope to lay a strong foundation so that future students can build upon my work and push it forward.
Now that we have moved beyond the constraints of COVID, one of the key challenges has been encouraging greater student involvement within the NPS community. While a strong virtual environment is essential and efficient for handling our responsibilities, it can inadvertently limit meaningful social interactions. As Chairman of the President’s Board for Student Affairs (PBSA), addressing this issue and promoting a vibrant, connected campus culture is particularly important to me.
My goal is to foster stronger community ties by organizing engaging events that bring together students, faculty, staff, and the broader NPS community. Additionally, many students remain unaware of the fantastic clubs sponsored by the NPS Foundation—these clubs provide opportunities to pursue personal interests and build lasting connections.
PBSA plays a crucial role by bridging the gap between student needs and the resources required to meet them. Initiatives such as Spirit Week, the President’s Cup, and the Norwegian Foot March are excellent examples of our efforts to create inclusive experiences that enhance student life, build camaraderie, and strengthen our sense of community here at NPS.
I made it a priority to get involved in several clubs at NPS, and one of the first I joined was the Del Monte Brass band. Though not funded by the NPS Foundation, this group is made up of volunteer musicians from both NPS and the local Monterey community. Being able to play my saxophone again after years away from music has been incredibly fulfilling. Performing with the band has not only been a source of joy for me but has also created special moments for my family—they come to my concerts and have been inspired to explore more local events together. These experiences have strengthened our connection to the community and given us lasting memories that we will cherish long after I graduate.
To incoming students, my biggest advice is simple: don’t isolate yourself. Step outside your comfort zone and take advantage of everything this unique community has to offer. Join a club—not necessarily as a leader, but as someone eager to connect and learn. NPS is arguably the best shore command you’ll experience, so make the most of it. Most importantly, enjoy your time here!
The Drone Club is still in its early stages, and we are actively shaping its vision and goals. Right now, the club is primarily geared toward hobbyists—providing a space for members to learn how to build and fly their own drones for a variety of purposes, from aerial photography to drone racing. While discussions about applying drone technology to DOD-related initiatives are certainly valuable, our current focus is on fostering STEM engagement. We aim to educate both kids and adults about how drones operate, sparking curiosity and hands-on learning in a fun and accessible way.
