Meet the Musician

Lieutenant David J. Latour,

 Supply Officer, Assistant Director

Lt. David Latour, a native of Pawtucket, R.I., began studying percussion at the age of eight. After graduating from Tolman Senior High School in 1989 he attended the Community College of Rhode Island until he enlisted in the Navy in 1992.

After completing basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill., he attended the Armed Forces School of Music in Little Creek, Va. His first assignment was to the Atlantic Fleet Band in Norfolk where he served as percussionist for the Navy Showband. As a member of the Showband, he completed two UNITAS training cruises aboard USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) and USS Stump (DD 978), performing extensively along the west coast of Africa, U.S. Virgin Islands, and throughout South America. It was during his second deployment that Latour qualified as an enlisted surface warfare specialist (ESWS).

In 1995 he transferred to Navy Band Mid-South in Memphis, Tenn., where he was assigned to the contemporary entertainment ensemble "Atlantis" and jazz ensemble "Sternwheel Drive." During this tour he performed extensively throughout the Midwest and Midsouth region in support of Navy recruiting and community outreach efforts. In 1999, Latour was assigned to the U.S. 6th Fleet Band in Naples, Italy, where he served as percussionist and leader of the jazz ensemble that performed throughout Europe and the Mediterranean region. In 2000 he was promoted to the rank of musician 1st class, and was selected as a limited duty officer bandmaster in 2003.
In May 2003, he returned to the Armed Forces School of Music to attend the senior musician course and was commissioned an ensign in May 2004.

After completing officer indoctrination school in Pensacola, Fla., he reported to his first officer assignment at the Atlantic Fleet Band as assistant fleet bandmaster. In June 2006, he was assigned to his first bandmaster position as the director of Navy Band Mid-South. In July 2009, he was assigned to his current position as specialty groups department head/supply officer at the United States Navy Band, where he is responsible for the operational readiness of the Navy Band's Commodores, Country Current, Sea Chanters and Cruisers performing ensembles.

Latour's awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (four awards), National Defense Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Sea Deployment Service Ribbon (two awards), Navy Overseas Service Ribbon (four awards), and Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon.