Rear Adm. Paradise is a native of Tacoma, Washington. He enlisted in the Navy in 1985 and attended Basic Underwater Demolition School class 138. Upon successful completion, he was assigned to Seal Team TWO where he made deployments to Northern Europe as a mountain and arctic warfare specialist. In 1989, he was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and attended the University of Washington earning a degree in electrical engineering and a commission in August 1992. He completed Naval Aviator training in Kingsville, Texas, earning his wings in 1995. He holds a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and completed the Navy Nuclear Power Training Program.

Paradise’s operational tours include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, VFA-192 and VFA-34 where he assumed command of the “Blue Blasters” in 2010. He has deployed aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77). He flew combat missions in Operations Desert Fox, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Ashore, Paradise attended USN Test Pilot School and served as a developmental test pilot in VX-23, on the NATO staff in Mons, Belgium and as the Chief of Staff for Commander Naval Air Forces.

In addition to VFA-34, Paradise commanded USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) in Yokosuka, Japan and USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70).

He has accumulated over 3000 tactical jet flight hours and more than 900 carrier landings.

Paradise’s awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Air Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device.

Last Updated: 11 July 2022