Rear Admiral Sean R. Bailey is a native of Lansing, Kansas, graduating from the University of Kansas with a degree in Political Science and commissioning through the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1991. He completed Naval Flight Officer training in Pensacola, Florida, earning his wings in 1992. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and completed the Navy Nuclear Power Training Program.

Bailey’s operational tours include Fighter Squadron 103 (VF103), VF-14 and VF-213 in the F-14 Tomcat, and Strike Fighter Squadron 2 (VFA-2) in the F/A-18F. He has deployed aboard USS Saratoga (CV 60), USS Enterprise (CVN 65), USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). He flew combat missions on the opening nights of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Ashore, Bailey served as an instructor at the F-14 Fleet Replacement Squadron (VF-101); on the NATO staff of Allied Joint Command Lisbon, in Oeiras, Portugal and as the Chief of Staff for Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic.

Bailey commanded the “Bounty Hunters” of VFA-2, USS Arlington (LPD 24) on her maiden deployment, and USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77). He was additionally the first Executive Officer of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). Most recently, he served as the Deputy Commander, US Naval Forces Central Command and FIFTH Fleet in Manama, Bahrain. He assumed command of Carrier Strike Group EIGHT in May 2023.

Rear Admiral Bailey's personal awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Air Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device. He has flown over 3,700 hours in the F-14 and F/A-18 and has logged over 900 arrested carrier landings.

Last Updated: 14 July 2023