Rear Adm. Christopher “Scotty” Gray is a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is a 1988 graduate of the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. He briefly served as an investment banker before receiving his commission in June 1989 through the Aviation Officer Candidate Program. He was subsequently designated an E-2C Naval Flight Officer in June 1990.

At sea, Gray served in operational assignments with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadrons (VAW) 126, 125, and 113 and as flag aide to Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet/Striking Fleet Atlantic. He served as commanding officer of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW 124) before reporting as the operations officer aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) where he conducted back to back deployments to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Gray has logged more than 500 carrier-arrested landings and 2,800 flight hours in tactical aircraft.

His shore duty assignments include a tour with the Royal Australian Air Force as part of the Personnel Exchange Program, E-2C/C-2A Aviation Training Systems Assistant Program Manager, military legislative assistant to the Chairman, House Appropriations Military Construction Subcommittee, legislative affairs officer to U.S. Central Command, plans director at Navy Warfare Development Command, commanding officer of Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, chief of staff at Navy Region Southeast, commanding officer, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, executive assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment, chief of staff for Navy Installations Command, Commander, Navy Region Northwest, and Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central from  May 2020 to May 2022.

Gray’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit (five awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Air Medal with Combat “V”, Strike Flight Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards) and Navy and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (six awards).

Gray assumed command of the Navy’s Mid-Atlantic Region on June 30, 2022.

Last Updated: 30 October 2023