Commander Jan M. Adams graduated with a bachelor of science degree in mathematics in 1975 and joined the U.S. Naval Reserve.

She was commissioned as a U.S. Navy officer in 1976 and began a rapid advancement through a number of prestigious assignments.

A Houston native, Adams also has earned a master of science in information systems management from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1982 and a master of arts in strategic studies from the Naval War College in 1985.

In August, 1993, she became commanding officer of Naval Station Pascagoula, becoming the Navy's youngest female ever to command a naval station and the only commander in the U.S. Navy in command of an operational naval station.

In June she was assigned to the Joint Staff Directorate for Command, Control, Communications and Computers in Washington, D.C.

Adams' military awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two awards of the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, three awards of the Navy Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Ribbon and the Sharpshooter Pistol Qualification.

She is a certified data processor and was selected as a 1994 Mississippi Gulf Coast Woman of Achievement.