James Feldkamp

Early Life and Military Beginnings

James Feldkamp was born in the verdant town of Roseburg, Oregon, where the seeds of his future naval excellence were sown. His academic pursuits led him to Oregon State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business, laying a solid foundation for his versatile career. Post-graduation, his journey took a significant turn towards military service, where he distinguished himself as a U.S. Naval Flight Officer. His expertise as a Counter-Measures Officer and Navigator aboard the EA-6B, an integral Navy electronic attack aircraft, was crucial during pivotal operations such as Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1991, all conducted from the deck of the USS Midway.

Federal Service and Political Endeavors

Following his active-duty tenure, James transitioned to the U.S. Naval Reserves, diversifying his career into federal law enforcement. As a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation based in Norfolk, Virginia, he was instrumental in founding the Tidewater Joint Terrorism Task Force. His role was not just limited to administrative duties; he also served as one of the specialized pilots responsible for aerial surveillance over critical criminal and terrorism-related investigations. His civic engagement deepened as he entered the political arena, running as the Republican candidate for the U.S. Congress from Oregon's 4th District in the 2004 and 2006 election cycles.

Academic and Intellectual Contributions

After his stint in politics, in 2007, Jim Feldkamp was recalled to active duty to contribute to the establishment of the National Maritime Intelligence-Integration Office, an entity focused on enhancing global maritime security through improved information sharing both domestically and internationally. Beyond his service, he shared his extensive knowledge of counter-terrorism and international security as an adjunct professor at renowned institutions such as George Washington University, George Mason University, and Georgetown University. He also contributed to academic literature, authoring and editing the textbook "Theory and Politics of Terrorism," which was later published by Cognella Academic Publishing and adopted by various educational programs.

Diverse Professional Roles

A variety of significant roles mark Feldkamp's professional portfolio:

• Lead Consultant at Complete Threat Preparedness, Inc. (2017-Present): Provides training and consultation on safety, security, and protection against natural and artificial hazards.
  
• Freelance Editor at Reedsy (2020-Present): Edits and reviews manuscripts on terrorism and intelligence.
  
• Global Ocean Racer with Clipper Round the World Yacht Race (2018-2022): Participated in the challenging race, visiting countries such as the UK, Portugal, Uruguay, and more.
  
• Adjunct Professor at National American University (2015-2019): Taught courses on intelligence agencies, terrorism, and weapon systems.
  
• Founder of JLF Solutions (2013-2019): Provided expertise in counter-terrorism, transnational crimes, and maritime domain awareness.
  

Maritime Security Leadership

In his pivotal role at the Office of Global Maritime Situational Awareness, James was the Branch Head for Outreach and Coordination, where he was central to expanding the operational scope of the Maritime Safety and Security Information System. His leadership in this capacity involved forming strategic alliances and promoting robust information-sharing practices across a network spanning more than 240,000 miles of global coastline, significantly bolstering maritime safety and security infrastructure.

Personal Pursuits and Interests

Outside of his professional commitments, Feldkamp enjoys a rich and active personal life characterized by his enthusiasm for extreme sports and exploration. Whether it's scaling mountain peaks, skiing down challenging slopes, diving into the depths of the ocean, piloting aircraft, or sailing across oceans, his zest for life is boundless. His participation in the adventurous Clipper Round, the World Yacht Race, and the culturally iconic Running of the Bulls in Pamplona are testament to his robust spirit and love for adventure.

Educational Background

• MA in International Affairs from The Catholic University of America (1996-1998)
  
• Diploma in Strategic Planning and Operations from the U.S. Naval War College (1994-1996)
  
• BS in Business from Oregon State University (1983-1986)
  
• AA from Linfield University (1981-1983), where he was a member of the National Championship football team (NAIA).
  

James Feldkamp's illustrious career, marked by dedication and a wide-ranging skill set, spans military service, federal law enforcement, academia, and public service. His ongoing contributions to security, education, and community service underscore a legacy of commitment and diverse achievement, underpinned by a drive to excel in every facet of life.