Rear Admiral Peter A. Gumataotao, a native of Guam, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1981 and from the U.S. Naval War College in 1994, when he earned a master of arts in strategic studies.
Gumataotao’s experience includes many deployments in the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf, including assignments on USS Bagley (FF 1069), USS Worden (CG 18), USS Reuben James (FFG 57), and Destroyer Squadron 31 (DESRON 31).
Gumataotao is currently commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic. His other shore assignments include: assistant surface operations officer and surface systems analysis officer for Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet; a fellow for the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group at the Center for Naval Analysis in Washington, DC; current operations officer for Commander, Pacific Fleet; chief of staff for Naval Surface Forces. His resume also lists many flag assignments.
Among his decorations are the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and receiving the first Admiral Zumwalt Award for visionary leadership in 2001.