Commander Gary Pembleton
A native of Perris, California, CDR Pembleton graduated from Virginia Military Institute in 2003 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 2005, he completed flight training and earned his wings of gold at Helicopter Training Squadron Eight (HT-8) in Milton, Florida.
In 2006, CDR Pembleton reported to the “Chargers” of HS-14, homeported in Atsugi, Japan, where he made six deployments to the Western Pacific and participated in various multinational exercises. In 2009, he reported to the Navy’s Helicopter Weapons School detachment in Jacksonville, Florida where he served as a Weapons and Tactics Instructor and detachment OIC. In 2011, he reported to the HSC-25 “Island Knights” on Guam where he was responsible for the training and qualification of all squadron pilots. In addition he flew shore-to-ship logistics, air ambulance, and alert search and rescue missions, participating in two rescues.
CDR Pembleton earned his Master’s Degree in Security Studies (Asia) from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California in 2015. He went on to serve as Squadron Operations Officer with the “Nightdippers” of HSC-5, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, flying the MH-60S Seahawk. In 2016, CDR Pembleton served as planner and mission lead for a unique Navy detachment to Erbil, Iraq, working alongside U.S. Air Force PJs from the 48RQS performing Combat Search and Rescue missions in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. He also flew from the deck of USS Abraham Lincoln conducting disaster relief missions off the coast of Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.
In December 2017, CDR Pembleton reported to the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome, NY. Working under NORAD/USNORTHCOM, he served as Assistant Director of Operations and Red Switch Coordinator for Operation NOBLE EAGLE’s 24/7/365 no-fail mission.
CDR Pembleton then served as the Operations Assistant Chief of Staff for Task Force SEVEN ZERO and Carrier Strike Group Five where he was responsible for planning and operational execution of the Navy’s only forward deployed CVN, attached CRUDES, and 90 aircraft across 11 squadrons. Additionally he participated in Operations FREEDOM SENTINEL and ALLIES REFUGE, acting as the Strike Group Liaison to JSOC supporting the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
CDR Pembleton’s personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike Flight Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), and various unit, campaign, and service awards.