Rear Adm. Gary Montalvo is a native of Puerto Rico and raised in North Carolina. He received his commission upon graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering. He subsequently earned a Master of Business Administration from George Washington University and a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs from Regent University.

At sea, Montalvo served as Main Propulsion Assistant aboard USS Annapolis (SSN 760), Engineering Officer aboard USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735), and Executive Officer aboard USS Texas (SSN 775). As commanding officer of USS North Carolina (SSN 777), he led a deployment to the Western Pacific. He also served as Commodore of Submarine Development Squadron Five.

His staff assignments include service as Flag Lieutenant to the Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, and as Flag Lieutenant within the office of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans, and Strategy (N3/N5). He additionally served as a technical representative at Naval Reactors, Deputy Executive Assistant to the Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, Prospective Commanding Officer Instructor for the Commander of Submarine Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and as a Program Analyst in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He later served as Division Director of Submarine and Nuclear Power Distribution at Navy Personnel Command (PERS-42), Submarine and Nuclear Community Manager (N133), and Executive Assistant to the Commander of U.S. Pacific Command. Promoted to flag rank in 2025, Montalvo first served as Director, Maritime Headquarters for Sustainment, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

He currently commands Submarine Group Seven, Task Force 54, and Task Force 74 in Yokosuka, Japan.

His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He is also the recipient of the 2016 Vice Adm. James Bond Stockdale Award for Inspirational Leadership.

Last Updated: 25 August 2026