Rear Admiral Lothrop S. Little earned a bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Nevada in December 1977. He received his commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy through Officer Candidate School in October 1981.

His first assignment was aboard USS Independence (CV 62) 1982-1985. Little reported aboard USS Yorktown (CG 48) as Main Propulsion Assistant in August 1985. Deployed to the Mediterranean from August 1985 through April 1986, he participated in the Achille Lauro MIO, Black Sea operations and multi-carrier operations in the Gulf of Sidra. He served as Commissioning Combat System Officer aboard USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53). During his department head tour, John Paul Jones completed Shock Trials and AEGIS baseline fleet trials. Subsequently he served as executive officer aboard USS Russell (DDG 59) and participated in Operation Desert Strike while deployed in the Persian Gulf.

Little served as commanding officer aboard USS Sides (FFG 14). During his tour, Sides earned the Battle Efficiency Award and participated in a Carat, Southeast Asia deployment. Additionally, he served as Commander Destroyer Squadron 1, March 2004 through January 2006. As Commodore, he was responsible for training and fleet introduction of newly commissioned Pacific Fleet Arleigh Burke guided missile destroyers as well as operation of Reserve Force frigates in San Diego. Concurrently, he commanded Task Group 712.0 during Southeast Asia Seacat and Carat Maritime Security Cooperation exercises under the auspices of commander, COMLOGRUWESTPAC, Singapore.

Little’s ashore assignments have included: Commanding Officer of the Rochester, N.Y. Navy & Marine Corps Reserve Center; Air Force Command and Staff College, where he earned a graduate degree from the University of Alabama; Special Assistant for Fleet training in the Office of the Secretary of the Navy (M&RA); Surface FTS Detailer at the Navy Bureau of Personnel, and as Homeland Defense Assistant and Reserve Operations Support Officer for Commander, 3rd Fleet.

Little assumed duty as Chief of Staff, Navy Reserve Forces Command on Feb. 22, 2006 and was nominated to Flag rank March 2007.

On Feb. 8, 2008, Little assumed command of Navy Reserve Forces Command.