Samuel Paparo

Samuel Paparo
Samuel Paparo
Born	1964 (age 60–61); Morton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1987–present
Rank	Admiral
Commands	United States Indo-Pacific Command; United States Pacific Fleet; United States Naval Forces Central Command; United States Fifth Fleet; Combined Maritime Forces; Carrier Strike Group 10; Carrier Air Wing Seven; VFA-106; VFA-195;
Battles / wars	War in Afghanistan; Iraq War;
Awards	Navy Distinguished Service Medal (2); Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit (4); Bronze Star;
Alma mater	Villanova University (BA); Old Dominion University (MA); Naval Postgraduate School (MS);

Samuel John Paparo Jr. (born 1964) is a United States Navy admiral who has served as the commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command since 3 May 2024.^[2] He most recently served as commander of the United States Pacific Fleet from 2021 to 2024.^[3]

Early life and education

Samuel John Paparo Jr. was born in 1964,^[4]^[5] and is a native of Morton, Pennsylvania.^[6] He is the son of a former enlisted Marine and the grandson of a World War II enlisted sailor.^[7] As a youth, Paparo attended Cardinal O'Hara High School.^[8] A graduate of Villanova University in 1987,^[8] he was commissioned via the Aviation Officer Candidate School (AOCS) program at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, also in 1987.^{[citation needed]} He is a graduate of Navy's Strike training pipeline (i.e., carrier-based tactical jet) as a Naval Aviator and was later designated as a Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI) as a graduate of the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School ("TOPGUN").^[8]

Paparo earned an M.A. degree in International Studies from Old Dominion University and an M.S. degree in Systems Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School.^[when?] He also graduated from the Air Command and Staff College, the Air War College, the Naval War College and the Joint and Combined Warfighting School of the Joint Forces Staff College.^[7]^[9]^[10]^{[excessive citations]}

Career

Paparo's training qualified him as a naval aviator on the F-14, USAF F-15 and F/A-18 airframes; as of October 2020, he has flown more than 6,000 hours in those aircraft, and had made more than 1,100 landings on aircraft carriers.^[8] Paparo served with the U.S. Navy's Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW-7) as deputy air wing commander from October 2009 through August 2011, embarked aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.^[11] The air wing, composed of eight squadrons, included "F/A-18C/E/F Hornets and Super Hornets, E-2C Hawkeye airborne command and control aircraft, EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft, SH-60F/HH-60H Seahawk helicopters, and C-2A Greyhound logistics aircraft", with 1,500 enlisted personnel and officers assigned.^[11] He subsequently took command of CVW-7 in August 2011, relieving Captain Roy J. Kelley,^[11] a position he remained in until December 2012.^[12]^{[verification needed]}

Paparo then went on to command Carrier Strike Group 10 (CSG-10) from July 2017,^[13]^{[verification needed]} until March 2018,^[6] a group comprising the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, a carrier air wing (CVW 3, which included substantial fixed and rotary wing airframes and personnel, including early warning and electronic attack units), and guided missile cruisers USS San Jacinto, USS Vella Gulf, and USS Monterey, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON, with its guided missile destroyers USS Stout, USS Oscar Austin, and USS McFaul).^[6] In addition to a variety of global training and exercise events, Paparo's forces provided intensive support for "Defense Support to Civilian Authorities (DSCA) operations", following Hurricane Irma's impact on the Florida keys in September 2017 (overseeing a task force of multiple units that cleared roads, and restored boat ramp and flight operations at Naval Air Station Key West, and electrical, water, and air conditioning services to vital military and civilian buildings in coordination with the Florida National Guard and FEMA).^[6]

After being elevated to the rank of U.S. Navy Vice Admiral, Paparo served as commander of the United States Fifth Fleet, headquartered in Bahrain, overseeing "all U.S. naval forces stationed throughout the Middle East", including coordination of the 33-country international naval coalition that "oversees safety of those waters and supports operations in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan".^[8] In addition, he served as director of operations of the United States Central Command out of MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.^[6] and went on to command the Combined Maritime Forces.^[when?]^[14]^[15]^{[verification needed]}

As of 5 May 2021, he had been elevated to the rank of four-star admiral in the United States Navy,^[when?] and was serving as the 64th commander of the United States Pacific Fleet (succeeding Admiral John C. Aquilino).^[16]^[17]^{[clarification needed]}^{[verification needed]}

In July 2023, Paparo was nominated for reappointment to the grade of admiral and assignment as the commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command.^[18]^[19] He assumed command from Aquilino during a change of command ceremony on 3 May 2024,^[20] becoming the 27th commander of Indo-Pacific Command, the largest geographic command in the U.S. military.^[21]

He stated in November 2024 that the delivery of air-to-air missile systems to Ukraine and Israel since the start of the conflicts there has been significantly reducing the stock available in the Indo-Pacific Command area, threatening its ability to counter China.^[22]

In 2023 and 2025 Paparo was considered as a candidate to become chief of naval operations. He was interviewed in July 2023 but Lisa Franchetti was selected for the role. After Franchetti was removed in February 2025 by President Donald Trump, Paparo was considered as a possible replacement, but he reportedly declined.^[23]

Personal life

He is married to Maureen, and they have six children. Paparo is Catholic and has been a member of the Knights of Columbus since February 2005.^[24]

Awards and decorations

	Naval Aviator insignia
	Command at Sea insignia

	Navy Distinguished Service Medal with award star^[25]^[26]
	Defense Superior Service Medal
	Legion of Merit (29 March 2018^[6]), with three gold award stars
	Bronze Star Medal
	Defense Meritorious Service Medal
	Meritorious Service Medal with two award stars
	Air Medal with one bronze service star, Combat V and bronze Strike/Flight numeral "6"
	Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
	Air Force Commendation Medal
	Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
	Army Achievement Medal
	Joint Meritorious Unit Award with oak leaf cluster
	Navy Unit Commendation with service star
	Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation with service star
	Navy "E" Ribbon with three Battle E devices
	Combat Readiness Medal
	National Defense Service Medal with service star
	Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
	Iraq Campaign Medal with service star
	Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
	Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
	Armed Forces Service Medal
	Humanitarian Service Medal
	Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
	Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one silver and three bronze service stars
	Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon with three service stars
	The Khalifiyyeh Order of Bahrain, 2nd Class
	NATO Medal for service with ISAF with service star
	Navy Expert Rifleman Medal
	Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal

References

This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States government. This information is indicated by inline citation to make clear that this was its source.

^ "Paparo to pass command of VFA-106 to Dwyer". Norfolk Navy Flagship. 4 June 2009. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
^ "U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Holds Change of Command Ceremony". U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Public Affairs. 3 May 2024. Retrieved 4 May 2024. This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States government.
^ "Paparo takes helm as U.S. Pacific Fleet commander". U.S. Pacific Fleet. U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs. 5 May 2021. Archived from the original on 7 October 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
^ BNP Staff (1 October 1990). Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy on Active Duty. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of the Navy, Bureau of Naval Personnel. p. 151. Retrieved 21 July 2023.^{[non-primary source needed]}
^ Selzer, Spc. Henry (28 August 2007). "Nuristan PRT celebrates Afghan Independence Day". Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS, dvidshub.net). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Defense. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f DVIDS Staff (29 March 2018). "CSG-10 Bids Farewell to Rear Adm. Paparo, Welcomes Rear Adm. Meier during Change of Command". Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS, dvidshub.net). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Defense. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
^ ^a ^b "Admiral Samuel Paparo". www.navy.mil. 2 October 2024.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Bjorkgren, David (6 October 2020). "Cardinal O'Hara Grad Takes Over U.S. Navy Middle Eastern Fleet". DelCo.Today. Delaware County, PA: American Community Journals. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
^ "U.S. Naval Forces Central Command > Leadership > Commander". www.cusnc.navy.mil.
^ "CMF Leadership". Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). 17 September 2010.
^ ^a ^b ^c WVEC Staff (3 August 2011). "New leader for Carrier Air Wing 7". 13newsnow.com. Norfolk, Virginia: WVEC-TV. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
^ Affairs, SN Brian Wilbur, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public (6 December 2012). "CVW-7 holds change of command". Military News.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
^ Affairs, This story was written by Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Public. "CSG-10 Bids Farewell to Rear Adm. Malloy, Welcomes Rear Adm. Paparo during Change of Command". Archived from the original on 14 July 2017. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
^ "VADM Malloy hands over to VADM Paparo in Change of Command ceremony". Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). 19 August 2020.
^ "NAVCENT, U.S. Fifth Fleet, CMF Change of Command". U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.
^ U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs (5 May 2021). "Paparo takes helm as U.S. Pacific Fleet commander". Archived from the original on 6 May 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
^ "Flag Officer Announcements". U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.
^ "PN885 — Adm. Samuel J. Paparo Jr. — Navy, 118th Congress (2023-2024)". U.S. Congress. 25 July 2023. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
^ "Flag Officer Announcements". U.S. Department of Defense. 27 July 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2023.
^ "U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Holds Change of Command Ceremony". 23 May 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
^ "Villanova Flag and General Officer Alumni Symposium". Villanova University.
^ Garamone, Jim (20 November 2024). "Indo-Pacific Commander Gives Unvarnished View of Situation in Region". www.defense.gov. U.S. Department of Defense.
^ Detsch, Jack; Gould, Joe; Lippman, Daniel (14 April 2025). "'Honey badger' admiral emerges as top contender for Navy chief". Politico.
^ Rector, Jennifer (22 May 2024). "A life of leadership and faith". Hawaii Catholic Herald.
^ "Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Change of Command [Image 8 of 11]". DVIDS. 4 April 2024. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
^ "USINDOPACOM Change of Command [Image 10 of 20]". DVIDS. 3 May 2024. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.

Military offices
Preceded by Roy Kelley	Commander of Carrier Air Wing 7 2011–2012	Succeeded by Terry Morris
Preceded by James J. Malloy	Commander of Carrier Strike Group 10 2017–2018	Succeeded by John F. Meier
Preceded by Scott Stearney	Director of Operations of United States Central Command 2018–2020	Succeeded by Alexus Grynkewich
Preceded by James J. Malloy	Commander of the United States Naval Forces Central Command and United States Fifth Fleet 2020–2021	Succeeded by Charles B. Cooper II
Preceded by John C. Aquilino	Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet 2021–2024	Succeeded by Stephen Koehler
Preceded by John C. Aquilino	Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command 2024–present	Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by Gregory M. Guillot as Commander of U.S. Northern Command	Order of precedence of the United States as Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command	Succeeded by Randall Reed as Commander of U.S. Transportation Command

[1] "Paparo to pass command of VFA-106 to Dwyer". Norfolk Navy Flagship. 4 June 2009. Retrieved 4 May 2024.

[2] "U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Holds Change of Command Ceremony". U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Public Affairs. 3 May 2024. Retrieved 4 May 2024. This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States government.

[3] "Paparo takes helm as U.S. Pacific Fleet commander". U.S. Pacific Fleet. U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs. 5 May 2021. Archived from the original on 7 October 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2021.

[4] BNP Staff (1 October 1990). Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy on Active Duty. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of the Navy, Bureau of Naval Personnel. p. 151. Retrieved 21 July 2023.^{[non-primary source needed]}

[5] Selzer, Spc. Henry (28 August 2007). "Nuristan PRT celebrates Afghan Independence Day". Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS, dvidshub.net). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Defense. Retrieved 21 July 2023.

[DVIDS_March2018-6] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f DVIDS Staff (29 March 2018). "CSG-10 Bids Farewell to Rear Adm. Paparo, Welcomes Rear Adm. Meier during Change of Command". Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS, dvidshub.net). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Defense. Retrieved 21 July 2023.

[Navy_Bio-7] "Admiral Samuel Paparo". www.navy.mil. 2 October 2024.

[BjorkgrenDelCoToday-8] Bjorkgren, David (6 October 2020). "Cardinal O'Hara Grad Takes Over U.S. Navy Middle Eastern Fleet". DelCo.Today. Delaware County, PA: American Community Journals. Retrieved 21 July 2023.

[9] "U.S. Naval Forces Central Command > Leadership > Commander". www.cusnc.navy.mil.

[10] "CMF Leadership". Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). 17 September 2010.

[WVEC_2011-11] WVEC Staff (3 August 2011). "New leader for Carrier Air Wing 7". 13newsnow.com. Norfolk, Virginia: WVEC-TV. Retrieved 21 July 2023.

[12] Affairs, SN Brian Wilbur, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public (6 December 2012). "CVW-7 holds change of command". Military News.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

[13] Affairs, This story was written by Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Public. "CSG-10 Bids Farewell to Rear Adm. Malloy, Welcomes Rear Adm. Paparo during Change of Command". Archived from the original on 14 July 2017. Retrieved 1 February 2018.

[14] "VADM Malloy hands over to VADM Paparo in Change of Command ceremony". Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). 19 August 2020.

[15] "NAVCENT, U.S. Fifth Fleet, CMF Change of Command". U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.

[16] U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs (5 May 2021). "Paparo takes helm as U.S. Pacific Fleet commander". Archived from the original on 6 May 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2021.

[17] "Flag Officer Announcements". U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

[18] "PN885 — Adm. Samuel J. Paparo Jr. — Navy, 118th Congress (2023-2024)". U.S. Congress. 25 July 2023. Retrieved 26 July 2023.

[27_Jul_Flag-19] "Flag Officer Announcements". U.S. Department of Defense. 27 July 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2023.

[20] "U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Holds Change of Command Ceremony". 23 May 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2023.

[21] "Villanova Flag and General Officer Alumni Symposium". Villanova University.

[22] Garamone, Jim (20 November 2024). "Indo-Pacific Commander Gives Unvarnished View of Situation in Region". www.defense.gov. U.S. Department of Defense.

[23] Detsch, Jack; Gould, Joe; Lippman, Daniel (14 April 2025). "'Honey badger' admiral emerges as top contender for Navy chief". Politico.

[24] Rector, Jennifer (22 May 2024). "A life of leadership and faith". Hawaii Catholic Herald.

[25] "Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Change of Command [Image 8 of 11]". DVIDS. 4 April 2024. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.

[26] "USINDOPACOM Change of Command [Image 10 of 20]". DVIDS. 3 May 2024. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.

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