Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta hails from Long Island, New York, and is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He commissioned through the Naval ROTC program and earned his wings of gold as a naval flight officer. He earned a master’s degree in systems engineering from the Johns Hopkins University in Maryland.

His operational tours in command at sea include commanding officer of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), command of USS Arlington (LPD 24), Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE TWO ZERO (VAW-120), and Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE TWO SIX (VAW-126).

Ashore assignments include the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, Fixed Wing Test Squadron TWO ZERO (VX-20), J35 lead planner for HQ European Command, and deputy executive assistant to the Chief of Naval Personnel.

As a Flag Officer, he served as the director, Maritime Headquarters, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. He most recently served as Commander, Carrier Strike Group TWELVE (CSG-12), during their historic 2025-2026 deployment with the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) as the flagship, with Carrier Air Wing EIGHT (CVW-8), Destroyer Squadron TWO (CDS-2), and destroyers USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG-81), USS Bainbridge (DDG-96), USS Mahan (DDG-72), and several independent-deploying warships.

He assumed duties as Chief of Legislative Affairs in May of 2026.

He has logged over 2,600 hours in 22 different aircraft. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and various other medals, unit and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 21 July 2026