Leading the Charge: America's Warfighting Navy/Vice Adm. James Pitts - 2/19/25

Vice Adm. James Pitts, a native of Milton, Florida, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1986 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He earned a Master’s in National Security Affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School. Pitts’ early submarine assignments included USS Grayling (SSN 646), USS Plunger (SSN 595), USS Hammerhead (SSN 663), USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 709), and USS Tucson (SSN 770), where he later served as commanding officer. His shore assignments included leadership roles at the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Joint Staff, and the Undersea Warfighting Development Center. He commanded Submarine Group Seven in Yokosuka, Japan, before becoming director of Warfare Integration at OPNAV. Vice Adm. Pitts currently serves as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities for the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.