Rear Adm. Paul C. Spedero, Jr.
Commander, Carrier Strike Group 8
08 June 2022
Rear Adm. Paul C. Spedero, Jr. is a native of Springfield, Massachusetts and a 1990 graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps and was designated a naval aviator in 1992. He graduated with distinction and earned a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University. He is also a graduate of the Defense Language Institute with a degree in French.
Spedero commanded the “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA)-86, USS Peleliu (LHA 5), and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). His other operational tours include a division officer tour with the “Bounty Hunters” of Fighter Squadron (VF)-2, a department head tour with the “Swordsmen” of VF-32, and an executive officer tour on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). He has deployed and participated in combat operations in support of Operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. Ashore, he served as a TOPGUN instructor at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center and as an action officer in the Joint Operations Division, Global Force Management, Joint Operations Directorate (J3), and Joint Staff. Following aircraft carrier command, he served as the executive assistant to the Director, Navy Staff. He served as the Director, Fleet and Joint Training, N7, U.S. Fleet Forces Command and prior to his current position, he served as commander Joint Enabling Capabilities Command.
RDML Spedero took command of Carrier Strike Group EIGHT in May 2022.
Spedero has flown 3,800 hours in the F-14, the F/A-18, and other Navy aircraft and has logged 870 carrier arrested landings. His personal decorations include: Legion of Merit (two awards); Bronze Star; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal (two awards); Air Medal (nine total awards: three individual, six Strike/Flight, and the combat distinguishing device); Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards and the combat distinguishing device); and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards).