Captain John Nadder, a native of Richmond, Virginia, graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management. He was designated a Naval Aviator in May 2003. Nadder is a 2025 Distinguished Graduate of The Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, earning a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy with a concentration in Irregular Warfare. In addition, he is a 2025 alumnus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI.
His operational aviation assignments include tours flying the SH-60B with the PROUD WARRIORS of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR TWO (HSL-42), and the MH-60R with the BATTLE AXES of Carrier Air Wing THREE (CVW-3), the SWAMP FOXES of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN FOUR (HSM-74), where he was the 2014 Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic Officer of the Year, and the PROUD WARRIORS of HSM-72. During his time as Executive and Commanding Officer of HSM-72, the squadron completed three deployments with CVW-1 and Carrier Strike Group EIGHT (CSG 8), embarked on Department of the Navy’s inaugural Dynamic Force Employment operations, supported Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL, and earned the 2020 CVW-1 Golden Wrench and three Battle Efficiency awards.
Ashore, Nadder served as a Fleet Replacement Squadron SH-60B instructor pilot at HSL-40, followed by a Global War on Terrorism Support Assignment (GSA) as the Officer-in-Charge/military liaison at an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle site assigned to Special Operations Task Force - North (Iraq) in support of Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT). He also served as an Action Officer in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs), and on the staff of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations as the Executive Assistant to Director, Programming Division (OPNAV N80). Prior to assuming command of Naval Support Activity South Potomac, CAPT Nadder attended National War College – The Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy.
CAPT Nadder’s military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Joint Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), and various unit, campaign, and service awards.
Last Updated: 15 July 2025