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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive

USS Boxer (LHD-4)


CAPT. John E. Gumbleton
A native of Falmouth, Massachusetts, he graduated from Norwich University in 1989 where he earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. He was commissioned an Ensign upon completion of the NROTC program and reported directly to Pensacola, Florida for flight training. He was designated a Naval Aviator in October 1990 and qualified as a SH-60B pilot at the Fleet Replacement Squadron in Mayport, Florida.

Captain Gumbleton has served in a variety of sea and shore assignments. At sea, his assignments include HSL-44 deploying in USS Samuel B Roberts (FFG-58) as Detachment Training Officer and USS Vicksburg (CG-69) as Detachment Maintenance Officer. Twice serving at HSL-46, he deployed in USS Ticonderoga (CG-47) as officer-in-charge. Reporting back to HSL-46 he served as Squadron Operations Officer and as officer-in-charge while deployed in USS Taylor (FFG-50). His shore assignments include the Bureau of Naval Personnel as War College and graduate education detailer; Flag Lieutenant to Commander, Naval Air Systems Command; Legislative Fellow to Senator John Warner of Virginia; and Congressional Liaison, Appropriations Matters Office in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (FM&C). His most recent assignment was as military assistant to Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff Allied Command Transformation Staff Element Europe. Captain Gumbleton commanded the Vipers of HSL-48. He reported as Executive Officer in September 2005 and assumed command in December 2006. Viper detachments deployed in support of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group to the Persian Gulf. He holds a Master of Science degree in information systems from The George Washington University (GWU), a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and most recently attended the GWU/MIT National Security Management Course.

Captain Gumbleton was selected below the zone for his current rank and was subsequently selected for Major Command. In January 2013, Captain Gumbleton assumed command of USS BOXER (LHD 4).

His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and other unit awards.


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