Rear Adm. Mietus is a native of Chesterfield, Virginia and a 1992 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. He received a master’s degree with highest distinction in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in 2003.  In 2014, he completed Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase II as part of Seminar 13, and is an alumnus of Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI. 

Mietus was designated a naval flight officer in 1994, and joined Patrol Squadron Nine (VP-9), Barbers Point, Hawaii. Subsequent flying tours include service as a Fleet Replacement Squadron instructor at VP-30, Jacksonville, Florida; department head, VP-4, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; commanding officer, VP-40, Whidbey Island, Washington; and commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10, Whidbey Island, Washington. 

Previous staff tours include service as the Russia and Baltics desk officer on the Joint Chiefs of Staff (DJ-5); Japanese Engagement, Operational Plans and Requirements officer on the staff of Commander, Task Force 72, Atsugi, Japan; and in the front offices of Commander, Carrier Group SEVEN, San Diego, California; director, Air Warfare (OPNAV N98), Integrated Warfare (OPNAV N9I), and Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities (OPNAV N9); and the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.  He was the Navy’s first Strategic Integration Group Director and a plank owner of the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Community’s first Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) class.  Upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, he served as a graduate assistant football coach.

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit (three awards), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards),  and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards).  While on the Joint Staff, he was recognized as the DJ-5 Action Officer of the Year. 

Last Updated: 2 March 2023