CAPT Jennifer M. Pontius

Commanding Officer, USS CAPE ST. GEORGE (CG 71)

21 August 2024 Captain Pontius is a native of Racine, Wisconsin. She attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology. She commissioned in 1999 through Officer Candidate School and holds a Master’s degree in Education from Providence College.

Her tours at sea include: Gunnery Officer, USS HOWARD (DDG 83); Combat Systems Division Officer, USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64), deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; Operations Officer, USS MILIUS (DDG 69); Combat Systems Officer, DESRON 21; Executive Officer and Commanding Officer, USS MILIUS (DDG 69), forward deployed to Japan; Surface Operations Officer, Carrier Strike Group ELEVEN, embarked on USS NIMITZ (CVN 68), deployed to the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleets, supporting Operations Inherent Resolve, Freedom’s Sentinel, and Octave Quartz; Deputy Commodore, COMDESRON ONE.

Her assignments ashore include: Division Officer Training Instructor, Surface Warfare Officers School; Requirements Officer, OPNAV N96; Ballistic Missile Defense Planner, USNAVCENT; Pol-Mil Planner, J5 Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Executive Assistant to the J5 Chief of Staff; Assistant Chief of Staff for Destroyer/Cruiser Maintenance and Sustainment, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Her personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards), and the Navy Commendation Medal (5 awards).