Commander Lawrence graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Science. Upon graduation he was assigned as a Deck Watch Officer on USCGC CHILULA (WMEC 153) in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina until her decommissioning in 1991.
A permanent Cutterman, Commander Lawrence has served four subsequent tours afloat, including assignment as the Navigator of USCGC DILIGENCE (WMEC- 616), Commanding Officer of USCGC STATEN ISLAND (WPB-1345), Executive Officer of USCGC RELIANCE (WMEC-615) and Commanding Officer of USCGC CONFIDENCE (WMEC-619). Commander Lawrence’s staff assignments include Controller at the Ninth Coast Guard District Rescue Coordination Center and Command Center in Cleveland, Ohio, lead business manager for the Acquisitions Directorate in Coast Guard Headquarters, and Comptroller of Integrated Support Command in Portsmouth, Virginia. He earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration from East Carolina University in 1999.
His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, and the Commandant’s Letters of Commendation. He is married to the former Danielle D’Amico; both he and his wife are natives of Euclid, Ohio.