Marinus Storm Bio

Raised in New York, Marinus graduated from Villanova University in 1984 where he received his Commission via the NROTC program. Following Surface Warfare Officer’s School he reported to USS Dewey DDG-45 in Charleston, SC in 1985 where he served as Communications Officer and Auxiliaries Officer, earning his Surface Warfare and Engineering Officer of the Watch qualifications. He deployed twice to the Mediterranean, and participated in Space Shuttle Challenger recovery operations during his time onboard. He subsequently served on USS Belknap CG-26 as Missiles and Fire Control Officer homeported in Gaeta, Italy. Following Belknap Marinus served as Senior Navy Instructor at NROTC Unit The Citadel from 1989-1990 where he taught shipboard management and inshore/offshore sailing and earned the US Navy Craftmaster Qualification. He also met his wife, Kim, during this tour.

He then served tours as Combat Systems Officer in USS Carr FFG-52 in Charleston, SC and Executive Officer of USS Pioneer MCM-9 in Ingleside, TX, deploying to the Mediterranean and the Baltic respectively. He then served as Mine Warfare Lead at the Surface Warfare School Command Department Head course for a year before attending the Naval War College where he graduated with a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Planning in 1997. He then served as Executive Officer of USS McInerney FFG-8 in Mayport, FL, and deployed to the Mediterranean before his assignment as Chief of Staff of the Afloat Training Group in Mayport, FL in 2001, and ultimately to Command of the Fleet Training Center in Mayport, FL where he retired in December 2004. His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (2), the Navy Commendation Medal (5), Meritorious Unit Commendation (2), Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, Battle Efficiency Award (7), National Defense Service Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (5), Expert Pistol and Rifle Ribbons, and the US Navy Craftsmaster qualification.

Following his military service Marinus was selected to operate a Chick-fil-A restaurant in 2003, ultimately operating a free-standing restaurant until his retirement in 2022; he earned the Symbol of Success award in 2007. He is married to Kimberly (Warner) Storm and they have two sons, Adam who is a civil engineer with the Florida Department of Transportation and Drew who is a Detective with Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.