Captain W. Korban Blackburn is a native of Kauai, Hawaii. He earned his AA from Brigham Young University, BA in Humanities, BS in Nuclear Engineering from Thomas Edison State University and an MS in Operations Research with an Energy Certificate from Naval Postgraduate School where he was awarded the MORS-Tisdale. He is a graduate of Naval War College JPME phases I/II.
Afloat, Captain Blackburn served as Supply Officer on the USS NEVADA (SSBN 733) from 2006-2008. As a submariner Chop and key watch stander on three strategic deterrent patrols, his team earned a grade of “Outstanding” on Supply Management Inspection, completed a successful Integrated Logistics Overhaul and Nuclear Engineering Refueling Overhaul. He later served as Materials Division Officer, Aviation Stores Division Officer and Principal Assistant to Logistics of the Amphibious Assault Ship USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD-8). He served his milestone tour as the Supply Officer onboard the USS EMORY S. LAND (AS-39) with significant contributions to our AUKUS and Pacific partners.
Ashore, he served as the logistics ISIC at Naval Submarine Support Center Bangor, where he provided logistic support, technical expertise and financial oversight of four staff commands and 19 Ballistic Missile Submarine and Guided Missile Submarine crews. He later served in an Army Operations Research Analyst role with the Transportation Engineering Agency directorate of Surface Deployment Distribution Command and as Deputy Division Chief of Intermodal Division supporting United States Transportation Command under Strategic Plans, Policy and Logistics, leading an interagency effort to recapitalize the Strategic Sealift Fleet. He served as Executive Officer of Fleet Logistics Center, Jacksonville, Fla., serving 19 shore installations and two industrial activities across the Southeastern U.S., Caribbean, and South America.
His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards) and various personal and unit awards. He was selected as Field Grade Officer of the Year at both Surface Deployment Distribution Command in 2018 and United States Transportation Command in 2019. He is qualified Submarine Supply Corps Officer, Surface Warfare Supply Corps Officer, Naval Aviation Supply Officer, Joint Qualified Officer, and is a member of the Acquisition Professional Community.
Link: Biography in .pdf
(Current as of January 2026)