Rear Admiral Ron J. MacLaren

Rear Admiral MacLaren assumed his current position as the director, Joint Contingency Acquisition Support Office (JCASO), Defense Logistics Agency, in March 2010. JCASO is being established to orchestrate, synchronize and integrate program management of contingency acquisition across combatant commands and U.S. Government agencies during pre-conflict operations, contingency operations and combat operations.

MacLaren, was born in Seoul, Korea, but was raised in Mexico, Peru and the Panama Canal Zone. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and holds a Masters in Business Administration from Auburn University. He received his commission as a Supply Corps officer through the ROTC in 1979.

At sea, he served as assistant stock control officer, wardroom officer and sales officer aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Ashore, MacLaren served as the material officer, Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair in Jacksonville, Fla. After transitioning to the Reserves, MacLaren served as commodore, Navy Cargo Handling and Port Group 3; commander, Navy Supply Support Battalion 2; commanding officer, Naval Operational Logistics Support Center Headquarters; commanding officer, Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 12; commanding officer, Naval Supply Center Pensacola 109; chief of staff, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Force; deputy director, United States Pacific Command Deployment and Distribution Operations Center; deputy director of Logistics, United States Joint Forces Command 206; officer in charge, Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 12, Detachment Alpha 109 and executive officer of Naval Supply Center Pensacola 109.

MacLaren’s staff assignments include Readiness Department head, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Force 109; Logistics Response Cell watch chief, United States Atlantic Command 206; operations officer, Advanced Based Functional Component Supply Support Unit (Medium) 209; Code 07A/Internal Review, Readiness Command Region 10; supply officer, Volunteer Training Unit 901; and training officer/supply officer, USS Talbot (FFG 4) 409.

Mobilized as the group commander, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group FORWARD GOLF in 2007-2008 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

After selection to flag rank, MacLaren was assigned as the assistant deputy chief of staff for Logistics, Fleet Supply and Ordnance, U.S. Pacific Fleet in October 2009. He was recalled to active duty in March 2010 in order to support his current position.

MacLaren pursued a civilian career as a hospital administrator, rising to the position of chief executive officer. He retired in 2004. In 2006, he became the health director for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) on Martha’s Vineyard until he was recalled to active duty.

Personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), and the Navy Achievement Medal (two awards).