VADM Pete Garvin graduated with merit from the United States Naval Academy in 1989, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering (Astronautics). He is a 2005 graduate of the National War College, where he earned a Master of Science in National Security Strategy, and a 2015 alumnus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Seminar XXI.
Prior to attaining flag rank, his operational assignments included service with the “Pelicans” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 45, where he was named the 1995 Association of Naval Aviation Pilot of the Year; department head with the “Mad Foxes” of VP-5; navigator aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), where he served as flag navigator for the embarked Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 6; executive officer and 59th commanding officer of the “Fighting Tigers” of VP-8; and commander of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing (CPRW) 10.
Shore assignments include service as flag lieutenant to Commander, Patrol Wings Atlantic (CPWL), and Commander, Task Force (CTF) 84; instructor pilot at the P-3 Fleet Replacement Squadron, VP-30; Washington placement officer at the Bureau of Naval Personnel (PERS-441); executive officer to the Director, Operational Plans and Joint Force Development Directorate (J-7), Joint Staff; federal executive fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR); undersea warfare branch head in the Assessments Division (N81) and deputy director of Unmanned Warfare Systems (N99) on the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations staff; and executive assistant to the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Flag officer assignments include service as the 22nd Commander of Navy Recruiting Command; Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group; the 20th Commander of Naval Education and Training Command; and, most recently, as the 58th President of the United States Naval War College.
His decorations include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (five awards), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Air Medal (two strike/flight awards), and various personal, unit, and campaign decorations.