Mr. Schmitt served as a surface line officer after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in Ocean Engineering. After five years of service as a gunnery/missile officer, ASW officer and Admiral's Aide, he went to law school. Following graduation in 1984, Mr. Schmitt has practiced law with a base in Honolulu concentrating on commercial and construction litigation, admiralty and marine matters. In addition, he simultaneous served over 20 years as a Naval Reseve JAG officer retiring in 2006 with the rank of Captain. His last twelve years were as counsel to Commander-in-Chief Pacific (PACOM) focusing on internal legal affairs. With his background and experience he has aided clients in a wide variety of commercial enterprises including port and maritime logistics financing and development, ocean energy (OTEC, wave, seawater air conditioning), aquaculture and marine resource development.