Frank Craig Pandolfe

Frank Craig Pandolfe (born 1958) is a retired Vice Admiral in the United States Navy, and last served as the Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Before, he was the Director, Strategic Plans and Policy, J-5, the Joint Staff. He had his retirement ceremony in September 2017, after more than 40 years of service.

Career Frank Pandolfe is from Scituate, Massachusetts where he was a star track athlete before graduating from Scituate High School in 1976. Pandolfe graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1980. He later obtained a Ph.D. from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts.

Pandolfe commanded USS Mitscher (DDG-57) from 1999 to 2001. During that time, the ship was awarded the Battle Efficiency Award three times. He later served in the War in Afghanistan (2001–present).

Other positions he has held include serving in the Offices of the Chief of Naval Operations, Joint Staff and in the White House. He also served as Commander, of the United States Sixth Fleet. He is the Vice President and Strategic Account Executive for the Navy & Marine Corps at Leidos.

Awards and decorations

Surface Warfare Officer PinDefense Distinguished Service MedalNavy Distinguished Service MedalDefense Superior Service Medal w/ 1 bronze oak leaf clusterLegion of Merit w/ 4 gold award starsMeritorious Service Medal w/ 3 award starsJoint Service Commendation Medal w/ 1 oak leaf clusterNavy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/ 1 award starNavy and Marine Corps Achievement MedalJoint Meritorious Unit Award w/ 1 oak leaf clusterNavy Unit CommendationNavy "E" Ribbon with Wreathed "Battle E" deviceNavy Expeditionary Medal with service starNational Defense Service Medal with service starArmed Forces Expeditionary MedalSouthwest Asia Service Medal with service starGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalArmed Forces Service MedalHumanitarian Service MedalNavy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with silver service starNavy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon with service starSpecial Operations Service RibbonNATO Medal for the former YugoslaviaNavy Expert Rifleman MedalNavy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon with Sharpshooter DeviceCommand at Sea insigniaOffice of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification BadgeVice Presidential Service Badge