Rear Admiral Russell S. Penniman
Reserve Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff

Rear Admiral Penniman graduated from the United States Naval Academy with the class of 1979, and was designated a naval aviator in September of 1981.

Following an instructor pilot tour with Training Squadron 24 in the A-4 “Skyhawk”, Penniman reported to Fighter Squadron (VF) 124 for training in the F-14A “Tomcat”. He was subsequently assigned to VF-211, and deployed twice aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). Following an instructor pilot tour with VF-124, he reported to VF-114, where he served as maintenance officer and deployed aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) in support of Operation Desert Storm. In the fall of 1991, Penniman returned to VF-124, where he served as both operations officer and executive officer. In the spring of 1993, he assisted in the establishment of Fighter Wing Pacific, and served as the wing’s first operations officer.

Upon release from active duty in March of 1994, Penniman held assignments as chief of staff for operations with reserve units supporting commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet and commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet. In October of 2002, he assumed command of Naval Reserve Carrier Group 0194. Recalled to active duty in January 2003, he was assigned to the Joint Forces Air Component commander’s staff, USCENTCOM, where he served as night director, Combat Plans Division during Operations Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom. In October of 2004, Penniman was reassigned to 3rd Fleet JFACC 0194, where he served as chief staff officer until assuming command of the unit a year later. His next assignment was as assistant chief of staff for Plans and Operations and chief staff officer, with COMPACFLT Det 420. Penniman assumed responsibilities as deputy commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet in October of 2008.

During his career, Penniman has accumulated in excess of 3,000 flight hours and 430 carrier arrested landings. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), the Air Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), the Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards), and other unit, campaign and personal decorations.

In his civilian career, Penniman is managing partner of Penniman & Associates, LLC, a financial services and management company.