A native of Andalusia, Alabama, Rear Admiral Gantt earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned in 1997.  He earned an MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School.

A career Surface Warfare Officer, Rear Admiral Gantt commanded Destroyer Squadron 60, Task Force 65, USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), USS Sirocco (PC 6), and USS Hurricane (PC 3).

Additional assignments at sea included division officer tours in USS Taylor (FFG 50) and USS Vicksburg (CG 69), department head in USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), executive officer in USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), and Deputy Commodore Destroyer Squadron 60.

Ashore, Rear Admiral Gantt served as Flag Lieutenant for Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Atlantic; Branch Chief for Maritime Operations in the Joint Irregular Warfare Center; Aide de Camp for Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command; Branch Head for Destroyers and Future Ship Requirements - OPNAV (N96); Deputy Chief of Legislative Affairs; House Director, Office of Legislative Affairs; and Senate Director, Office of Legislative Affairs.

Rear Admiral Gantt’s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various service, campaign and unit decorations.  

Rear Admiral Gantt assumed the duties of Deputy Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet in March 2025.
 

Last Updated: 9 June 2025