Rear Adm. John Lemmon is a native of Champaign, Illinois, and a 1988 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, Class 107, and holds a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School.

After earning his wings as a naval aviator in 1990, he flew the E-2C Hawkeye in support of multiple deployed operations aboard USS Forrestal (CV 59), USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), and USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67).

Lemmon’s tours include service as an aircraft and systems test pilot where he worked on numerous upgrades to E-2 and C-2 aircraft. He served as the Chief Test Pilot and Commanding Officer of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20, and was commander, Task Group 67.8, Horn of Africa, in support of irregular warfare contingency operations.

His multiple acquisition tours include serving as program manager for both the E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data System Program Office (PMA-231) and the Naval Integrated Fires Program Office (PMA-298). He also completed an assignment at the Naval Air Depot, North Island, California, he served as executive assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, and was vice commander, Naval Air Systems Command.

Most recently, he served as commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division and chief engineer, Naval Air Systems Command.

Lemmon has 324 carrier arrested landings and has logged over 3,400 flight hours in multiple aircraft models, including turboprop, jet, helicopter, multi-engine, piston, tail-wheel and sailplane.

Lemmon assumed his current position as program executive officer, Tactical Aircraft Programs in September 2022.

His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit (three awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), and various campaign, unit and personal awards.

Last Updated: 20 September 2022