Cmdr. Jimmy L. Lawton
Chief Staff Officer, Commander Naval Surface Group Middle Atlantic
22 January 2024
Commander Jimmy Lawton, a native of Georgia, entered the Navy in July 1991. He graduated with a degree in Information Technology from Old Dominion University and holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Information Systems from Florida Institute of Technology. He was commissioned through the Enlisted Commissioning Program in 2003. He completed his Joint Professional Military Education in 2018.
During his Division Officer tours, he served onboard USS Nicholas (FFG 47) as Gunnery Officer and onboard USS Cape St George (CG 71) as Damage Control Assistant. During his Department Head tours he served onboard USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) as Chief Engineer and at Commander Destroyer Squadron Two as Senior Readiness Officer. He completed his Executive and Commanding Officer tour onboard USS Detroit (LCS 7), deploying to the Fourth Fleet area of responsibility. He served as the Chief Staff Officer (CSO) at COMPHIBRON SIX, transitioning to Commander Naval Surface Group Middle Atlantic.
His shore duty assignments include U.S. Fleet Forces Command as Assistant Battle Watch Captain, Navy Warfare Development Command as AEGIS Ashore Action Officer, Engineering Assessments Atlantic as an Engineering Assessor and Joint Staff (J7) Directorate as a Military Analyst.
His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (six awards) and various campaign service awards.