Rear Adm. Gaiani received his commission upon his graduation from the Navy Reserve Officer Training Program in 1984 at The Citadel. Gaiani is a graduate of the Naval War College’s non-resident seminar program.

Gaiani served in various leadership positions with Fighter Squadron (VF) 102 the Diamondbacks, VF-101 the Grim Reapers, VF-84 the Jolly Rogers. He served as commanding officer of VF-213 the Blacklions aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), serving in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Ashore, he has served in leadership positions at Naval Striking and Support Forces, Southern Europe located in Naples Italy, and as Defense Plans to the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, in Mons, Belgium.

Prior to flag selection, Gaiani commanded Naval Base Coronado, during which time the base was recognized by the president’s Commander in Chief’s Award for Installation Excellence, as the best base in the Navy.

In addition to various campaign and service decorations, Gaiani has been awarded the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal for valor (two awards) the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for valor. Gaiani served as commander, Navy Region Midwest and as commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia Commander Maritime Air Naples until 2014.

Last Updated: 11 January 2022