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CAPT Jennifer L. Elinger

Past Commodore, Amphibious Squadron Seven (CPR 7)

20 January 2022
Captain Jennifer L. Ellinger
Captain Jennifer L. Ellinger
Captain Jennifer L. Ellinger
Captain Jennifer L. Ellinger
Captain Jennifer L. Ellinger
Photo By: CNSP
VIRIN: 220411-N-N0831-0004
Captain Jen Ellinger graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1993 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in General Science.  Shortly after receiving her commission, Capt. Ellinger reported aboard USS Shasta (AE 33) in Alameda, California and served as the Second Division Deck Officer, Combat Information Center Officer, and Machinery and Boilers Officer from April 1994 to March 1997.  During her second Division Officer tour, she served as the Navigator and Admin Officer aboard USS Benfold (DDG 65) in San Diego, California, from March 1997 to September 1998.

Upon completion of Surface Warfare Department Head training, she served as Operations Officer aboard USS Decatur (DDG 73) from 2002-2003, deploying in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.  During her follow-on Department Head tour, she served as Destroyer Squadron Seven (CDS 7) Operations Officer / N3 from December 2003 to July 2005, embarked aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).  From December 2006 to June 2008, she served as Executive Officer in USS Barry (DDG 52), home ported in Norfolk, Virginia.  Capt. Ellinger reported to USS Kidd (DDG 100) as Executive Officer in October 2010 and fleeted-up to Commanding Officer, serving from June 2011- January 2013.  While in command, Kidd deployed with the John C. Stennis Strike Group to the U.S. 7th and U.S. 5th Fleet Areas of Responsibility, executed several Theater Security Cooperation missions and served as the flagship for CTF 151 in support of Counter-Piracy operations off the Horn of Africa.  Kidd’s deployment was highlighted by the rescue of 13 Iranian fishermen and capture of 15 Somali pirates.  During her tenure, Kidd earned three consecutive Battle ‘Es’ and Retention Excellence Awards.

Capt. Ellinger served as Deputy Commodore, Destroyer Squadron Twenty One (CDS 21) from August 2016 to September 2017.  From September 2017 to June 2019, she served as Commanding Officer, USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), and Air Defense Commander for the Carl Vinson Strike Group, deployed to the U.S. 7th and U.S. 4th Fleet AORs, and participated in the Summit of Americas, Silent Forces Exercise, and RIMPAC 2018.  During her tenure, LKC earned two consecutive Retention Excellence Awards, the 2018 Unit Tactics Award, and 2018 VADM Thomas Copeman III Material Readiness Award. 

Capt. Ellinger reported to Expeditionary Strike Group Three (ESG 3) in September 2019 to reestablish and take command as Commander, Amphibious Squadron Seven (CPR 7) in San Diego, California. 

Capt. Ellinger’s assignments ashore include a tour as the Ground Operations Officer and Command Safety Officer at Assault Craft Unit Five (ACU 5) on Camp Pendleton, California from September 1997 to May 2001.  Additionally, she served as Flag Secretary to the Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet from June 2008 to December 2009; and Chief Staff Officer for Commander, Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Squadron One, from February 2013 to December 2015.

Capt. Ellinger’s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal with four gold stars, the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star, as well as various campaign and unit awards.    A distinguished graduate of the Surface Warfare Officer School’s prospective Department Head and Executive Officer courses, she was the recipient of both the Arleigh Burke Leadership Award and Knachel Leadership Award, respectively. Additionally, she was a recipient of the Commander Naval Surfaces Forces Pacific 2004 Tactician of the Year Award, and the 2012 Freedom Alliance ‘Service to America’ Award.   A graduate of the Naval War College’s Command and Staff course, she completed JPME Phase I and earned a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies in 2006, and completed JPME Phase II at the Joint Forces Staff College in March 2016.


 
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