[6][7] Merz's aboard assignments include USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19),[8] "Submarine Group Seven" and Task Force 74.

In 1986, he graduated with merit from the United States Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ocean Engineering.

He later earned Master's Degrees from The Catholic University of America and the Naval War College.

[9] VADM Merz served as a director during his ashore flag officer assignments, including Naval Undersea Warfare Center for a ballistic missile submarine program (OPNAV N97).

Later, he was appointed as the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for warfare systems (DCNO OPNAV N9).