COMMANDER GARRETT I. CAMPBELL

COMMANDING OFFICER

CDR Garrett I. Campbell, of Virginia Beach, VA, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in May 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in History. Upon graduation, he was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy and reported for Naval Flight Officer (NFO) training at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida. His flight training began in August 1995, at Training Squadron TEN (VT-10). After finishing VT-10, CDR Campbell reported to VAW-120 for training as an E-2C Naval Flight Officer. He received his “Wings of Gold” in August 1997.Commander Campbell’s initial fleet assignment was with the “Bluetails” of VAW-121 at NAS Norfolk. While assigned to VAW-121, CDR Campbell deployed on board USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN-74) and USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) in support of Operations SOUTHERN WATCH and JOINT FORGE, and, participated in two Counter Narcotics Detachments in support of Joint Interagency Task Force-East (JIATF-E).

In November 2000, CDR Campbell returned to VAW-120 as an NFO Instructor. During his tour with the “Greyhawks” he served as the Avionics Division Officer, the APS-145 RADAR Instructor, and the NFO Training Officer. He finished his tour with the FRS by being selected FRS NFO Instructor of the year in 2002.

Following his FRS tour, he reported to Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7), where he served as the Air Warfare Officer and Training & Readiness Officer. In January 2004, he deployed aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF).   

His next assignment was to the United States Naval War College, Newport, RI., where he completed his Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase 1 and graduated with distinction with a Masters of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies.

Commander Campbell returned to Norfolk and reported to the Bear Aces of VAW-124 in July 2006 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). While assigned to VAW-124, LCDR Campbell served as the Safety Officer and Operations Officer.  

Following his Department head tour, he reported to Special Operations Command Joint Forces Command (SOCJFCOM) where he served as the Liaison Officer (LNO) to Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) and Korea (SOCKOR), as well as, to Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines (JSOTF-P).

CDR Campbell has accumulated over 2000 flight hours and 400 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (second Strike/Flight award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (third award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (second award), as well as, other individual and unit awards.