Rear Adm. Cellon is a native of Gainsville, Florida and a 1978 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He holds master’s degrees from the University of Florida (Civil Engineering) and the Naval War College (National Security and Strategic Studies). Cellon also completed the Wharton School’s Advanced Management Program at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a registered professional engineer in Virginia and California, a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps, and is designated as a Seabee Combat Warfare officer.

Cellon retired in October 2009 from his final duty assignment as commander, First Naval Construction Division (2007-2009). Other flag assignments included Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia (2003-2007), and Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific Division, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (2002-2003). He also commanded Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southern Division, Charleston, South Carolina (2000-2002); Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 40, Port Hueneme, California (1996-1998); and Naval Support Facility (Camp David), Thurmont, Maryland (1994-1996).

His duty assignments include assistant company commander, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 62, Gulfport, Mississippi; Commandant’s Staff, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland; junior officer detailer, Naval Military Personnel Command, Washington, District of Columbia; resident officer in charge of Construction, San Diego, California; operations officer, Amphibious Construction Battalion One, Coronado, California; OPNAV staff (N44), Washington, District of Columbia; and executive officer, Navy Public Works Center, Norfolk, Virginia.

His personal decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (three awards), Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy Commendation Medal (two awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal, as well as numerous unit and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 17 March 2022