Commander Mark J. Fields, U.S. Navy (Ret.), of Tuscaloosa, has been named the ninth executive director of USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, the USS Alabama Battleship Commission announced in a news release.

Fields will assume the role on Jan. 1, succeeding Maj. Gen. Janet L. Cobb, U.S. Army (Ret.), who retired Dec. 31 after nine years of service.

Fields, a Tuscaloosa native, brings a wealth of leadership experience to the position. Most recently, he served as the Tuscaloosa County license commissioner and previously held the role of chief human resource officer for the county. His extensive military career includes two decades of service as a naval surface warfare officer, retiring in 2007.

During his time in the Navy, Fields held key sea assignments, including roles aboard the USS Bronstein, USS Buchanan, USS McInerney, USS Pioneer and USS Ardent. His responsibilities ranged from anti-submarine warfare operations to combat systems oversight and executive officer positions. His final assignments included serving with the Joint Manpower and Personnel Directorate on the Joint Staff and the Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, D.C.

"His selection as the executive director assures us that we have the right person to lead our memorial park," the chairman of the USS Alabama Battleship Commission, Maj. Gen. Charles H. Gailes, said in the release. "Mark Fields will bring superb leadership and management to the park and a deep sense of commitment to our mission and our park employees."

Fields steps into a role that has been pivotal in preserving the legacy of the USS Alabama and honoring the service of U.S. military members. Under Cobb's leadership, the park has continued to serve as a prominent destination for education, history and tribute to the armed forces.

As Fields prepares to take the helm, the Battleship Commission expressed confidence in his ability to build on Cobb's legacy and advance the mission of the park.

"We are very fortunate to have someone of Mark's caliber to occupy this very important position," Gailes added.