Commander John P. Long

A graduate of Rutgers University, Commander John P. Long entered Aviation Officer Candidate School, NAS Pensacola, Florida, in November 1982. He was commissioned an Ensign in March 1983. Upon completion of Naval Aviator training, he received his wings in August 1984. Following type training in the P-3 aircraft, he reported to Patrol Squadron 26 (VP-26) in January 1985 serving as Weapons Officer, Nuclear Safety Officer, and Avionics and Armament Division Officer. In November 1988, he was ordered to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VX-1) where he served as the Tactics Officer until July 1991.

In August 1991, Commander Long reported to USS George Washington (CVN-73) where he served as Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer. In June 1993, he reported to the United States Army Command and General Staff College. Upon graduation, he received orders to Patrol Squadron 8 (VP-8) where he served as Tactics Officer and Training Officer until December 1996.

Following completion of Armed Forces Staff College in April 1997, Commander Long reported to United States Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, for duty as Chief, Aircraft Planning Section. Detaching in February 2000, he attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. In May, 2001 he reported to the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) where he served as the Weapons Officer and Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Officer until August 2003. In September 2003, he returned to Strategic Command as Chief, War Plans Analysis Branch.

During his career, Commander Long has accumulated over 2700 flight hours. He holds masters degrees in Military Art and Science, National Security and Strategic Studies, and Economics. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with two gold stars, and the Navy Achievement Medal.