Vice Adm. Nanette DeRenzi became the first woman Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the Navy when she took command in 2012. Commissioned through the JAG Student Program and a graduate of Temple University School of Law in 1986, DeRenzi began her career as a litigator; first as a defense counsel and later as a trial counsel (prosecution) in Newport, Rhode Island. Following assignments include appellate defense and civil litigation in Washington, D.C.; fleet judge advocate to commander, U.S. 7th and 3rd Fleets; as well as staff judge advocate to commander, Carrier Group 7. Before her appointment to flag rank, she served as the senior staff judge advocate for commander, U.S. Southern Command; special assistant for legal and legislative matters to the secretary of the Navy; legislative counsel for environmental programs in the Navy Office of Legislative Affairs; and executive assistant to the JAG. In command, she served as commanding officer, Naval Legal Service Office, North Central. She retired from the Navy in 2015 after 31 years of service.

Last Updated: 29 March 2023