Capt. Nathan Gammache enlisted in the Navy as an undesignated Seaman Recruit reaching the rank of Petty Officer Third Class before being selected for the Naval Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Systems Engineering. He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Certificate in Anti-Submarine Warfare from the Naval Postgraduate School and is a graduate of the US Air Force’s Air University Command and Staff College. He was designated a Naval Flight Officer in 2002 and is also a qualified Navy Scuba Diver.
His first flying tour was with Patrol Squadron Forty (VP-40) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island. Subsequent assignments include worldwide deployments across operational tours as Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, Department Head with Patrol Squadron Five (VP-5) and Commanding Officer of the “Golden Swordsmen” of Patrol Squadron Forty-Seven (VP-47).
His staff assignments include Weapons and Tactics Instructor at the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School, Congressional Appropriations Liaison for Naval Aviation Programs (FMBE), Assistant Program Manager for Logistics at the P-8 program office (PMA-290), Director for Legislative Affairs on the National Security Council staff at the White House, Secretary of Defense Executive Fellow at Apple, Inc., and most recently as the Director’s Action Group Lead at the Defense Innovation Unit in Silicon Valley.
Gammache assumed command of NAS Whidbey Island in August 2024.
Gammache’s personal awards include Defense Superior Service Medals, the Presidential Service Badge, the Office of the Secretary of the Defense Badge and various team and individual awards but he is most proud of his family and the accomplishments of the men and women with whom he has served.
Last Updated: 15 August 2024