Commander James E. Wise II was born in Birmingham, England. He graduated from Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mt. Holly, New Jersey and was commissioned through the U.S. Naval Academy in 1979.
He has a Bachelor of Science from the United States Naval Academy and a Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California. Commander Wise completed the Army Command and Staff College in 1994 and the Armed Forces Staff College in 1995.
Commander Wise reported for duty on the USS BARNEY (DDG 6) as the Anti- Submarine Warfare Officer in June 1980. In February 1988 Commander Wise then was assigned to the USS SUMTER (LST 1181) as the Operations Officer, where he completed a UNITAS Deployment and a West African Training Cruise (WATC). Upon completion of his assignment aboard the USS SUMTER (LST 1181), he reported to the USS PREBLE (DDG 46) in November 1989 and assumed duties as Weapons Officer. During his time aboard, Commander Wise participated in Operational DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM.
Following his tour on the USS PREBLE (DDG 46), Commander Wise was assigned to USS WAINWRIGHT (CG 28) as Executive Officer from March 1992 to June 1993. During that assignment, the USS WAINWRIGHT (CG 28) won the prestigious Arleigh Burke Award and the NEY Award. Prior to assuming command of the USS JOHN S. MCCAIN (DDG 56), Commander Wise was assigned to the U.S. Special Operations Command Washington Office as Chief of Programs and Resources Division.
Commander Wise's personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with one gold star, and the Navy Achievement Medal.
Commander Wise is married to the former Pamela Drummond of Hampton, Virginia. They have three children: Ashley, James III, and Kimberly.
