Rear Adm. Carter graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1985. After initial P-3 flight training at Patrol Squadron (VP) 31, Naval Air Station (NAS) Moffett Field, Calif., he reported to VP-19 (Moffett Field) for his first operational tour. Follow-on operational tours included serving as assistant navigator, USS Saratoga (CV 60); a department head tour in VP-5, NAS Jacksonville, Fla.; executive officer and commanding officer of VP-26, NAS Brunswick, Maine; and commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 2 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

Carter’s shore tours included an instructor pilot tour at the P-3 Fleet Replacement Squadron (VP-30), NAS Jacksonville; VP Assignments and Sea Assignments detailer, Bureau of Naval Personnel; operations officer, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Five; the Naval War College where he earned a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies; Joint Staff, J-3, deputy director for Regional Operations; OPNAV N3, Global Force Management Office; Joint Forces Staff College, and Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 2.

Carter reported to Patrol and Reconnaissance Force 5th Fleet/7th Fleet/Fleet Air Forward after serving as the executive officer to the Commander, United States Transportation Command.