CAPT Gilbert Ayan

Past Commanding Officer, USS Lake Erie (CG 70)

22 May 2020 Captain Gilbert Ayan is a native of Miami, Florida. He graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering and received his commission through Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Florida.

Ayan’s sea tours include damage control assistant aboard USS THORN (DD 988); weapons officer aboard USS FIREBOLT (PC 10); engineering officer aboard USS THE SULLIVANS (DDG 68); material officer in Destroyer Squadron TWO FOUR; executive officer aboard USS MILIUS (DDG 69); and operations officer in Carrier Strike Group ONE. He commanded USS MILIUS and USS LAKE EIRE (CG 70).

Ashore, he served as engineering training liaison officer in Afloat Training Group, Mayport, Florida; assistant to the director of surface assignments division (PERS 41B), Navy Personnel Command; and executive officer to the chief of staff, US Special Operations Command. Ayan is currently Assistant Chief of Staff for Maritime Operations, Commander Naval Surface Forces Pacific. 

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), and Navy Achievement Medals (three awards).