CAPT Mike Waters was born in Inkster, Michigan, on July 2, 1957. He graduated from St. Augustine Seminary High School in 1975 then proceeded to Michigan State University, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1980. CAPT Waters attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School, graduating cum laude in 1985. CAPT Waters received a direct commission into the JAG Corps in December 1985.
CAPT Waters’ first assignment was with the Naval Legal Service Office in Subic Bay, RP. While at the NLSO he served as Trial Counsel, Command Services Department head and International Law Attorney as well as the SJA for Naval Hospital and Naval Magazine. After Subic, CAPT Waters was then assigned SJA to the Naval Activities Commander in London, England. In London, he directly supported CINCUSNAVEUR personnel, tenant commands throughout Scotland and Europe, and served as the Liaison Officer with Scotland Yard.
In 1993, CAPT Waters served as the Command Judge Advocate onboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). He brought the legal department on line after GW’s commissioning, serving as Legal Department Head over a Brig, Security, and Legal Division, as well as a Marine Detachment. The Brig Division won the CINCLANTLFT Award as the best afloat brig for 1994. CAPT Waters served aboard GW during its maiden voyage in the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf, supporting flight operations over Kuwait and Yugoslavia. During that cruise, CAPT Waters’ repair locker extinguished a major class-Bravo fire.
In 1994, CAPT Waters was assigned to the Administrative Law Division of the Office of the Judge Advocate General, located in the Pentagon. After serving in OJAG, CAPT Waters attended The George Washington University, where he earned a Masters of Law in International Environmental Law, graduating with highest honors.
From July 1998-June 2000, CAPT Waters served as Legislative Counsel in the Navy Office of Legislative Affairs. While responsible to Congress for all environmental issues facing the Navy, CAPT Waters also guided SECNAV and CNO through the Senate Confirmation maze. From August 2000-June 2002, CAPT Waters served as Executive Officer for the Trial Service Office, Southeast located in Mayport, Florida. During his tenure, TSO Southeast tried the most Courts in the Navy and earned a Meritorious Unit Commendation. CAPT Waters retired from the Navy after serving four years as Counsel to the Superintendent, United States Naval Academy.
CAPT Waters currently serves as an Assistant General Counsel for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
CAPT Waters is entitled to wear the following awards: The Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal (4 Awards), the Navy Commendation Medal, Achievement Medal (2 Awards), Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation (2 Awards), the Battle “E,” the National Defense Service Medal (2 Awards), the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (6 Awards), the NATO Medal, the Republic of the Philippines Presidential Unit Citation, and Expert Pistol and Rifle Ribbons.
CAPT Waters is married to the former Anne Marie Murray and they live in Springfield, Virginia. They have four children: Richard (23), Michael (21), Mary Beth (19), and John (9).