Capt. John A. Gearhart
Assistant Chief of Naval Research

Capt. John Aaron Gearhart joined the United States Navy in 1990 under the Nuclear Power Officer Candidate program. He is a distinguished graduate of Oklahoma State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also holds a master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

At sea, Gearhart served as a junior officer onboard USS OHIO (SSBN 726), weapons officer and navigator onboard USS NORFOLK (SSN 714), executive officer onboard USS CHEYENNE (SSN 773) and commanding officer onboard USS ANNAPOLIS (SSN 760). During his shipboard assignments, he completed multiple strategic deterrent patrols and overseas deployments, including two CENTCOM deployments while in command.

Ashore, Gearhart has served as a naval science instructor at the Naval ROTC Unit, University of Arizona; operations officer at Submarine Squadron SIX; deputy division head for Maritime Reconnaissance Operations, J-3, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C and deputy director, Farragut Technical Analysis Center, Washington, D.C. He assumed responsibilities as the assistant chief of naval research at the Office of Naval Research in April 2016.

Gearhart is authorized to wear the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (seven awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), as well as a host of other unit and personal awards.