Rear Adm. Gavin “Deedle” Duff is a native of Toms River, New Jersey. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and earned his Wings of Gold in 1998. A graduate of the US Naval Test Pilot School and the Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Training program, he also holds a master’s degree from Old Dominion University. He was a 2019 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI fellow.

Operationally, he has completed nine carrier deployments to the Western Pacific, South China Sea, Mediterranean, and Middle East, supporting Operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve. Assignments include the Marauders of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 82, Eagles of VFA-115 and Executive Officer of USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). He commanded the Tophatters of VFA-14. His major commands included USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) and as the 13th Commanding Officer of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).

His shore assignments include duties as a Test Pilot at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23), VFA Assignments Officer at Navy Personnel Command, Executive Officer at VFA-122, the Joint Staff where he served as Division Chief and Desk Officer (J-7) and CVN ROC Senior Advisor for Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic Fleet.

He assumed his current duties as Director of Plans, Policy and Integration (OPNAV N5) in April 2024.

Duff has accumulated more than 3,500 flight hours in the F/A-18A-F and over 950 arrested landings on 8 different aircraft carriers. His awards include Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Gold Star (in lieu of second award), Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star (in lieu of third award), Strike/Flight Air Medal (10 awards with Bronze Star and Combat Distinguishing Device), and various personal, unit and service awards. Duff is the 2014 recipient of Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Award for Inspirational Leadership.

Last Updated: 27 February 2025