Vice Adm. John Gumbleton is a native of Falmouth, Massachusetts and a graduate of Norwich University receiving his commission through Navy ROTC. He holds advanced degrees from The George Washington University and the Naval War College.

Gumbleton’s sea tours include HSL-44 deploying with USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) and USS Vicksburg (CG 69). Twice serving at HSL-46, he deployed with USS Ticonderoga (CG 47) and USS Taylor (FFG 50) serving as detachment officer-in-charge and squadron operations officer. In command, he led the Vipers of HSL-48 and the Sailors and Marines of USS Boxer (LHD 4) and Expeditionary Strike Group 3.

His shore tours include the Bureau of Naval Personnel; Commander, Naval Air Systems Command; legislative fellow, Senator John Warner of Virginia; congressional liaison officer, Appropriations Matters Office (FMBE); military assistant, Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff Allied Command Transformation, Staff Element Europe; senior fellow, Strategic Studies Group 34; and director, Operations Division (FMB1), Office of the Budget (FMB).

Gumbleton’s flag assignments include Director of Maritime Headquarters, U.S. Naval Forces Europe/U.S. Naval Forces Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet; Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 3; Director of Budget (FMB/N82) and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (FM&C); and Chief of Staff, Office of CNO and VCNO. 

Gumbleton assumed the duties of Deputy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Commander, Task Force EIGHT ZERO, Jan. 12, 2024.

Last Updated: 12 January 2024