NORTHFIELD, Vt. —Norwich alum Rear Adm. John Gumbleton ’89 has spent more than three decades climbing the ranks in the Navy, and he has yet again reached another rung as President Joe Biden has nominated Gumbleton for a promotion to vice admiral and deputy commander of the United States Fleet Forces (USFF).
In his new role, Gumbleton would oversee the USFF’s many crucial operations, such as preparing and providing combat-ready Naval forces, planning and executing assigned service functions, providing operational planning and coordination support, and planning and executing joint missions.
He currently serves as the deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for budget and the director of the fiscal management division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Gumbleton has helmed several positions in the Navy before his recent nomination and has held many flag assignments: director of Maritime Headquarters for U.S. Naval Forces Europe/U.S. Naval Forces Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet, and Expeditionary Strike Group 3.
He has taken part in many shore and sea assignments. He has deployed with the USS Samuel B. Roberts, USS Vicksburg, USS Ticonderoga, and USS Taylor at sea. While on shore, his assignments have included war college and graduate education detailer at the Bureau of Naval Personnel; flag lieutenant to Commander, Naval Air Systems Command; legislative fellow for Virginia’s Sen. John Warner; congressional liaison officer, Appropriations Matters Office in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy; military assistant to Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff Allied Command Transformation Staff Element Europe; senior fellow Strategic Studies Group 34; and director of the Operations Division, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Additionally, he has served in various helicopter squadrons flying the SH-60B.
In addition to his Norwich education, Gumbleton earned a Master of Science in Information Systems from The George Washington University (GWU) and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. He has also attended the GWU/MIT National Security Management Course.
Gumbleton has led a distinguished career and is the recipient of various awards. He has earned the Legion of Merit (four awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
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