Dr. William J. Lahneman is Department Chair and Professor in the Department of Security Studies and International Affairs at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. He joined ERAU’s faculty in August 2013.
He is a 1974 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, and served on active duty in the U.S. Navy for 21 years following graduation, attaining the rank of Commander (O-5) before retiring in 1995. He was a Surface Warfare Officer qualified in Nuclear Propulsion –a “Surface Nuke” for short. In 1989, he earned an M.S. in National Security Affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, which gave him sub-specializations in Strategic Planning and International Organizations and Negotiations.
CDR Lahneman served in four ships and one afloat staff during his career: USS TRUXTUN (CGN-35), USS Samuel Eliot Morison (FFG-13), USS TEXAS (CGN-39), and USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). He also served on the staff of the Commander, U.S. Surface Force, U.S Pacific Fleet as the Deputy of the Nuclear Power Mobile Training Team.
CDR Lahneman’s last tour of duty was as Associate Chair of the Political Science Department at the United States Naval Academy. He is a Golden Shellback, has been duly initiated into the Domain of the Golden Dragon, and is a member of the Order of the Ditch.

Participated in Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada); Operation Ernest Will (Middle East); Operation Desert Shield; and Operation Desert Storm
The Meritorious Service Medal
The Navy Commendation Medal
The Southwest Asia Service Medal
The National Defense Service Medal
The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
The Sea Service Ribbon