Captain (U.S. Navy retired) Don Giles serves as the Senior VP for Legislative Affairs of The Atlanta Metropolitan Council of the Navy League. He is a member of the National Board of Directors.
Giles is a native of Montgomery, Alabama. A graduate of Auburn University, he was commissioned an Ensign through the Navy ROTC program in June 1967. Following flight training and earning Naval Aviator Wings in July 1968, he flew the P-3 “Orion” in three Patrol Squadrons and accumulated over 6000 flight hours. His specialty was Anti-Submarine Warfare, and he also held a subspecialty in Naval Intelligence. During the Cold War, he completed operational squadron deployments that resulted in flying over five oceans and six continents. Don served as Air Warfare Officer and Tactical Action Officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS America (CV 66), where he also flew the C-1 “Trader” and deployed to the Mediterranean Sea and the South Atlantic Ocean. His three command assignments included Patrol Squadron Fifty and two shore establishments. Three Washington assignments included duty on the Joint Staff, Navy Staff, and his last Navy tour as Deputy Commander, Navy Recruiting Command.
Don attended the Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, earning a Master of Science degree and completing the Naval War College Post-Command course in Newport, RI.
Don and his wife Sherryl have been married for 53 years, and together they raised three sons. They have two grandchildren.
Don is a strong proponent of the Navy League of the United States since becoming a member after retiring from the Navy in 1994. He has served as President at the council, state, and region levels and is currently a member of the National Board of Directors. Until recently, he served over ten years as Co-Chairman of the National Navy League Legislative Affairs Committee and currently serves as South Atlantic Coast Region VP for Legislative Affairs.