CDR Tammi L. Ballinger

Chief Staff Officer, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5

05 December 2023 Commander Ballinger is a native of Berea, Kentucky. She enlisted as a Nuclear Machinist Mate in 1997. She was selected for Seaman to Admiral-21 and in 2005, commissioned from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology.

She reported to her first at sea assignment onboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) as a nuclear trained Machinist Mate. Subsequent sea duty assignments as a division officer include USS DUBUQUE (LPD 8) as the main propulsion division officer and MCMDIV 31 in Bahrain as N7 training and Anti-Terrorism Officer for four MCM ships. Her first department head tour was as the Combat Systems Officer, USS GREEN BAY (LPD 20). From November 2015 to July 2017, she served aboard USS ESSEX (LHD 2) as First Lieutenant. CDR Ballinger served as Executive Officer on USS RUSHMORE (LSD 47) and USS COMSTOCK (LSD 45). She commanded COMSTOCK from May 2022 to August 2023. CDR Ballinger reported as Amphibious Squadron FIVE Chief Staff Officer in September 2023.

Ashore, after completing her nuclear pipeline training, she was selected as a staff pick-up for Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU), Ballston Spa. Following her division officer tours, she served at Mine Warfare Training Center (MWTC). She earned her Masters from Capella University in 2009. CDR Ballinger completed the Amphibious Warfare Tactics course of instruction in October 2017. From November 2017 to July 2020, she served as the Senior Naval Instructor Expeditionary Warfare School, Quantico, VA.

Commander Ballinger’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (with Gold Star), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with Gold Stars), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with Gold Stars), Good Conduct Medal (2 awards), Master Training Specialist and multiple campaign and service awards.