With degrees from the U.S. Naval Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School, Vice Adm. John Nowell Jr. has had several destroyer operational tours and commands, including USS Porter (DDG 78), Destroyer Squadron 60/Task Force 65, and international commands in Lebanon and Africa. Nowell served on the staff for assignments in Washington D.C. and as director of the Navy Senate Liaison Office. He has had many positions as a flag officer, most recently as the Navy’s 59th Chief of Naval Personnel in 2019, serving concurrently as the deputy chief of naval operations, responsible for the planning and programming of all manpower, personnel, training, and education resources for the U.S. Navy.