Rear Adm. Kenneth R. Blackmon is a native of Chesterfield, New Jersey. He was commissioned in 1989 through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program at George Washington University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs with a specialization in International Economics. He holds a Master of Science in Financial Planning and is a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College.

As a surface warfare officer, he served as strike warfare officer; electrical officer and navigator/administrative officer aboard USS David R. Ray (DD 971). He affiliated with the Navy Reserve in 1993.

Blackmon deployed five times in support of Operations Earnest Will, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom. He has operated at sea in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans; Mediterranean, Caribbean and Red Seas; Gulf of Mexico and the Arabian Gulf. Mobilizations include March to December 2003 to U.S. Pacific Fleet and June 2010 to July 2011 to U.S. Central Command. His last deployment was July to August 2014 aboard USS America (LHA 6) as chief of staff, Task Force 49 during America’s maiden transit around South America.

Staff assignments include Navy Reserve (NR) NATO Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence, NR Joint Enabling Capabilities Command, NR Tactical Training Group Atlantic, NR Allied Command Transformation Detachment 106, NR Naval Control of Shipping Atlantic 304 and NR Naval Base Philadelphia.

Reserve Commands include NR Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 2, NR Expeditionary Strike Group 3, NR Fleet Technical Support Center Detachment 204, NR Recruiting Support Unit Detachment 466 and NR Mobile Mine Assembly Unit 3. He has joint experience with U.S. Central Command, U.S. Pacific Command, U.S. Transportation Command and NATO.

As a flag officer, Blackmon served as Deputy Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet October 2019-September 2021 and as Reserve Director of Maritime Operations, U.S. Fleet Forces Command October 2021-September 2023. Blackmon assumed duties as Vice Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command on October 1, 2023.

Blackmon’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards) and other personal, unit, service and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 19 January 2024