CAPT Jesse J. Zimbauer

Chief of Staff, Carrier Strike Group Five (CSG 5)

15 August 2023 Captain Jesse Zimbauer enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1989.  After recruit training in San Diego, CA, he attended the Defense Language Institute, completing his certification as a Korean linguist.  He went on to complete certification as a Crypto Linguist and served in 1st Radio Battalion, FMF PAC, Kaneohe Bay, HI.  He was selected to participate in the NROTC program and was commissioned at the University of Wisconsin with degrees in Chemical Engineering and Naval Science in May 1997.

His first sea assignment was on USS GEORGIA (SSBN 729) (G) from Sep 1998 through Oct 2001.  During this tour, he served as CRA, RCA, DCA, Assistant Weapons Officer, and Assistant Engineer, and completed five strategic deterrent patrols. Following his Division Officer tour, he served as an Assistant Professor of Naval Science at the University of Minnesota NROTC program from Nov 2001 through Mar 2004.  During this tour, he earned his MBA at the Carlson School of Management. 

He served as Navigator on board USS ASHEVILLE (SSN 758) from Oct 2004 to May 2007. During this tour, ASHEVILLE completed a Western Pacific deployment and a modernization. Following his tour on ASHEVILLE, he served as the Navigator of USS HELENA (SSN 725) from Jun 2007 through Aug 2007 before reporting as Squadron Operations Officer at COMSUBRON 11 where he served from Aug 2007 to Aug 2009.

CAPT Zimbauer served as Executive Officer on board USS OLYMPIA (SSN 717) from Aug 2009 through Sep 2011. During this tour, OLYMPIA completed a Western Pacific deployment and won the Battle Efficiency Award.  Following his Executive Officer tour, he served as the Flag Secretary to Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet in Yokosuka, Japan from Oct 2011 through Apr 2014.

CAPT Zimbauer assumed the duties as the first Commanding Officer of PCU INDIANA (SSN 789) in November 2014 and served through INDIANA’s Commissioning in September 2018. 

CAPT Zimbauer’s served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Director of Maritime Operations Center at Commander Task Force 74 in Yokosuka Japan from April 2019-Mar 2021.  

CAPT Zimbauer is the current Commanding Officer of the USS GEORGIA (SSGN 729) (GOLD) and has just completed a deployment in support of CENTCOM and AFRICOM.

CAPT Zimbauer’s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (with two gold stars), Navy Commendation Medal (with four gold stars), and the Navy Achievement Medal (with three gold stars).