Rear Adm. Bachmann’s last assignment was as Commander of the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR), headquartered in San Diego, Calif., where he was responsible for providing information technology and space systems for naval and joint services.

Bachmann graduated in June 1974 from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. Bachmann subsequently attained a Master of Science degree in Systems Management and a doctoral degree in Psychology and Technology from the University of Southern California during off duty hours. A graduate of the Naval War College, he was additionally awarded a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.

Bachmann has acquired extensive acquisition experience through a wide variety of afloat, shore-based and joint duty assignments. He has completed ship's company sea duty assignments aboard USS Ranger (CV-61), USS New Orleans (LPH-11), and USS Enterprise (CVN-65), and fleet assignments at Naval Air Station North Island and the Commander Naval Air Forces Pacific staff.

In 1990, Bachmann was assigned to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) as the Deputy Director for Aviation Logistics Information Systems. He was subsequently assigned to the Joint Logistics Systems Center, WPAFB Ohio, as a DoD Major Program Manager (ACAT I).
On Dec. 7, 1993, Bachmann was assigned as the Director of the Joint Depot Maintenance Analysis Group under the direction of the Joint Logistics Commanders and the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD).

Bachmann assumed command of the SPAWAR Naval Tactical Command Support System (NTCSS) on Nov. 17, 1995. NTCSS, a DoD ACAT I program, was selected into the Secretary of the Navy Acquisition Hall of Fame in April 1998, nominated for the OSD Packard Award, and awarded the OSD Certificate for Acquisition Excellence. During this period Bachmann was assigned as the Acting Director of Information Support Systems (SPAWAR PD 15)  and was responsible for the oversight of a multitude of information technology acquisition programs.

From August 1998 through June 2000 Bachmann was assigned to the Chief of Naval Operations, Air Warfare Division, as the Head, Aviation Maintenance Programs responsible for the execution of accounts in excess of $18 billion for the advancement of Naval Aviation.

Upon selection to Rear Admiral in 2001, Bachmann was assigned as Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division with additional responsibilities as NAVAIR Assistant Commander for Test and Evaluation, and Shore Station Management. In February 2003 he was assigned as the NAVAIR Assistant Commander for Logistics and Industrial Operations. Bachmann was selected to be the NAVAIR Vice Commander in March 2005.

His personal awards and decorations include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (Sixth Award), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, and Navy Commendation Medal with Gold star.

Last Updated: 13 December 2021