Rear Admiral Ian Johnson, a native of Wakefield, Rhode Island, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He then entered the submarine training pipeline in Orlando, Florida. In 1996, he reported to USS Parche (SSN 683) in Bangor, Washington, where he completed three special ocean engineering missions, earning three Battle “E” awards, two Meritorious Unit Commendations, and the Presidential Unit Citation.
After completing the Submarine Officer Advanced Course in Groton, Connecticut, Johnson served aboard USS Maine (SSBN 741) in Kings Bay, Georgia, as the ship’s Navigator from 2001 to 2004, completing five strategic deterrent patrols. Subsequently, he served as the Executive Officer aboard USS Memphis (SSN 691) in Groton, Connecticut, from 2006 to 2008, and as Commanding Officer of USS Connecticut (SSN 22) in Bremerton, Washington, from 2011 to 2014, operating in the Western Pacific.
His shore assignments include various roles such as Strategic Systems Programs and the Office of the Secretary of Defense in Washington, DC; Deputy Commodore of Submarine Squadron 7, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Submarine Force Atlantic Shipyard Representative, Groton, Connecticut; Commanding Officer of Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island; Chief of Staff of Navy Region Northwest, Bangor, Washington; Executive Assistant to the Commander Navy Installations Command; Chief of Staff of Navy Installations Command, Washington, DC; and Commander of Navy Region Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida.
Johnson holds a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from Catholic University of America and completed Joint Professional Military Education, Phase II, at the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia. He also completed the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI program in 2023.
His accolades include four Legion of Merit Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and four Navy Achievement Medals.
In June 2024, Johnson assumed the role of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan/Navy Region Japan.
Last Updated: 26 November 2024