Captain Paul Penn, a native of Chesapeake, Virginia, enlisted in the Navy in 1992 and completed boot camp at Recruit Training in Orlando, FL, prior completing Aircrew Candidate School, Aviation Rescue Swimmer School, and Aviation Anti-Submarine Warfare "A" School. He then reported to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron ONE (HS-1), the SH-3 "Sea King" Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) in Jacksonville, Florida for initial aircrew flight training.
Upon completion of FRS training, he reported to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron FIVE (HS-5) where he completed two deployments onboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) and one around the world deployment onboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN- 74). During this tour he transitioned to SH-60F/H "Seahawk" and was designated a tactical sensor operator and Level Five Combat Search and rescue aircrewman.
In 1998, he reported to Commander, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Wing Atlantic (COMHSWINGLANT) where he was designated a Weapons and Tactics Instructor in the Seahawk.
After selection in 1999 for the Enlisted Commissioning Program, he graduated from the University of North Florida NROTC program in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and was selected for flight training. He earned his wings of gold and was designated a Naval Aviator in November 2002. He then reported to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE TWO ZERO (VAW-120) the E-2C "Hawkeye" FRS for initial type training.
Upon completion of FRS training, he reported to the VAW-124 where he deployed onboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) and served as Ground Safety Officer, Schedules Officer, Pilot NATOPS Officer, and Landing Signals Officer.
He then reported for instructor duty at VAW-120, were he served as the Operations Admin Officer and Maintenance Division Officer.
In 2009, he was selected as the Flag Aide to Commander, Strike Forces Training Atlantic where he served for RDML White and RDML Fitzpatrick.
In October of 2010, he reported to the Naval War College, where he earned a master's degree in National Defense and Strategy and completed Joint Military Professional Education Phase I. While at the War College, he was selected for Aviation Department Head.
Following E-2C refresher training in 2012, Captain Penn again reported to VAW-124 for his Department Head tour where he served as the Administration Department Head and Maintenance Department Head.
Following his department head tour, Captain Penn then reported to Cruise Missile Support Activity Pacific in Oahu, HI, where he led the J-7, executing operational planning and evaluation groups for C5F, C6F, C7F, and Northwood Headquarters, England.
After being selected for command, Captain Penn reported to VAW-120 for transition training in the E-2D "Tracer" and reported to VAW-125 in Iwakuni, Japan as the Executive Officer. In January, 2019 he assumed command and completed three western Pacific deployments on the USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN-76) during which the squadron received both the RDML Frank Akers award and the Battle Efficiency award.
In March of 2020 he reported Carrier Strike Group FOUR as the N71 Intergraded Air Missile Defense Lead. He completed multiple COMPTUEX, ARG/MEU, and Independent Deployer evaluations over a two-year period providing certification recommendations for all deploying east coast ships.
He reported to United States Fleet Forces Command in March, 2022 to serve as the N8/N9 Deputy Director. While there he selected for major aviation command.
Commander Penn's personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign awards. Commander Penn has accumulated over 3100 hours and 650 arrested landings.