Captain Randolph F. Pierson
Chief of Staff
Carrier Strike Group ONE
Captain Randolph F. Pierson is a native of Oak Harbor, Washington. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the Western Washington University, and was commissioned through the Aviation Officer Candidate Program in July 1985. He was designated a Naval Flight Officer at Pensacola, Fla., and after receiving his wings, Pierson reported to VAQ-129 for EA-6B Prowler flight training.
At the completion of training, he reported to the Rooks of Electronic Attack Squadron One Three Seven (VAQ-137) in 1987 where he served as Legal Officer, Aviation Armament Division Officer and Tactics Officer. While assigned to VAQ-137, Pierson deployed to the Mediterranean Sea, Arabian Gulf and the Western Pacific aboard aircraft carriers USS SARATOGA (CVA-60) and USS AMERICA (CV-66).
In 1990, he reported to Washington, D.C. for a Joint Staff internship participating in the Strategic Arms Reduction Talks Treaty in Geneva, Switzerland and Washington D.C. Upon completion, he reported to the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Aviation Assignments Branch as a Rating Assignment Officer until November 1993. Pierson reported back to sea duty later that year when he was assigned to Commander Carrier Group Seven aboard aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) as the Flag Electronic Warfare Officer.
In 1996, he returned to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island for EA-6B refresher and instructor training. At completion, Pierson reported back to VAQ-137 serving as the Maintenance Officer deploying to the Persian Gulf aboard aircraft carriers USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) and USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). In 2001 he earned a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies while studying at the U.S. Naval War College. In August 2003, he reported to VAQ-132 assuming Command in October 2004 while on the 2004 Arabian Gulf deployment aboard USS JOHN F. KENNEDY in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He concluded his Command tour in February 2006 supporting DoD Electronic Attack from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.
In March 2006, Pierson reported for duty to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command as the Executive Assistant supporting the evacuation of Lebanon, Maritime Security and Anti-Piracy operations in the Navy Central area of responsibility. Subsequently he reported to Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic as the Chief of Staff in May of 2007.
In July 2008, CAPT Pierson assumed command of Naval Air Station Corpus Christi supporting a base workforce of 10,000 providing Joint Naval Air Training for primary and advanced students, depot repair for all Army rotary wing aircraft and US Customs, Border Protection for National Air Operations of P-3 and Predator aircraft.
Captain Pierson has been awarded the Legion of Merit (2 Awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards) Air Medal (2 strike/flight awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal (2 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (5 awards), Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards), and various service medals and ribbons.