Rear Adm. John D. Saccomando
Rear Adm. John Saccomando is a native of Buffalo, New York. He graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with honor and was commissioned in September 1994 via Navy ROTC. He attended the Joint Combined Warfare Hybrid School and completed executive education programs at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and with the Dale Carnegie Institute.
Saccomando first served as an F-14D Tomcat aircraft pilot at Strike Fighter Squadron (VF) 213, "Blacklions," where he completed two extended combat deployments aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), flying more than 50 combat strikes in support of Operations Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom. He returned to VF- 101, “Grim Reapers,” as an F-14 Tomcat aircraft flight instructor and demonstration pilot.
He was then selected to join the Blue Angels in 2003 as the right wing (#2) of the storied Blue Angel Diamond. While publicly representing the Navy and Marine Corps, he accumulated 1,000 hours in the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft flying airshows in over 72 cities in front of 20 million spectators.
Saccomando transitioned to the F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, “Black Aces,” and completed two extended combat deployments on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) flying strikes in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. His achievements include numerous “Top Eleven Ball Flyer” awards, the Air Wing’s “Top Hook” award, and VFA-41’s 2007 Pilot of the Year. He then transitioned to the Navy Reserve in 2008 and joined Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 1, “Starlifters,” flying the C-37B Gulfstream aircraft at Joint Base Andrews.
In 2012, Saccomando reported to the VR-56, “Globemasters,” for his first command tour. Under his command, VR-56 received the 2014 Battle Efficiency, or Battle “E” Award, and was also awarded the coveted 2014 Naval Air Force Reserve Squadron of the Year. Subsequent command tours include Training Air Wing (TRAWING) 1 Reserve Component Commander; NATO Allied Command Transformation detachment in Washington D.C.; Chief of Naval Forces Europe/Africa Maritime Partnership Program detachment 413; and Commander, Naval Installations Command, Navy Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (NEPLO) Program Commander.
Saccomando served on his first flag tour as the Reserve Director of the Maritime Headquarters, US Pacific Fleet, in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
He assumed command as Naval Air Force Atlantic’s Deputy Commander in October 2024.
Saccomando’s decorations include Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Air Medal (six awards), with one Combat Distinguishing Device, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), with one Combat Distinguishing Device, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various personal and unit awards. He has accumulated more than 5,000 Navy flight hours and has 579 carrier arrested landings.