Rear Adm. Gove is a native of Newport, Rhode Island, holds a Bachelor of Science in Operations Analysis and received his commission from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1975. He received a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Catholic University of America and completed Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program (AMP151) in 1996.

Gove’s early sea duty included service in both attack and ballistic missile nuclear submarines leading to assignment as commanding officer of USS Louisville (SSN 724) from 1991 to 1994. He commanded, Submarine Development Squadron 12 in Groton, Connecticut, from 1997-1999.

Significant shore duty assignments included submarine tactics officer at the Royal Navy’s Submarine Tactics and Weapons Group, Faslane, Scotland; executive assistant to the Director, Submarine Warfare Division (OPNAV N87); special assistant (Legislative Matters) to the Chief of Naval Personnel; CNO fellow on Strategic Studies Group XIX in Newport, Rhode Island; and executive assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations from 2000-2002.

He was promoted to flag rank in 2002 and served on the Joint Staff (J3), as deputy director for Global Operations until 2004 then as commander Submarine Group 7 & Task Force 74/54, in Yokosuka, Japan followed by commander Naval Personnel Development Command in Norfolk, Virginia and commander Navy Personnel Command / deputy chief of Naval Personnel, Millington, Tennessee through May 2007. Gove relieved as the 19th oceanographer of the Navy and the 5th navigator of the Navy in June 2007.

Gove retired from active duty in July 2009, following 34 years of service.

Personal awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (seven awards), Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), in addition to various unit awards earned by his crews and staffs.

Last Updated: 11 March 2022