Rear Adm. Daniel Martin is a 1991 graduate of Oglethorpe University where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and an officer commission through Georgia Tech’s NROTC unit. He earned his Joint Qualified Officer (JQO) designation at the Joint Forces Staff College and a Master of Arts in International Security Affairs from the U.S. Naval War College.

Operationally he served in numerous strike fighter squadrons flying the FA-18 Hornet. His fleet assignments include a junior officer tour with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195; department head tour with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131; commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37; and air wing commander (CAG) at Carrier Air Wing 8. He most recently served as the commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1.

Ashore assignments include instructor pilot and landing signals officer with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 and as a demonstration pilot with the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, serving as the narrator, the opposing solo, the lead solo and operations officer for the 2001 through 2003 show seasons.

Martin has held four staff officer assignments, including a joint/international assignment to Headquarters, Supreme Allied Command Transformation; as congressional liaison for naval aviation programs at the Navy’s Office for Legislative Affairs; as executive assistant to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans, and Strategy (OPNAV N3/N5); and as executive assistant to Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Martin assumed duties as director, Maritime Operations, U.S. Pacific Fleet in June, 2022.

His decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal and various unit and campaign awards. Martin has accumulated over 4,600 flight hours and 750 carrier-arrested landings.

Last Updated: 24 May 2022