Dave Volonino

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Captain Dave Volonino, USN, is Chief of Staff for Carrier Strike Group Five of the United States Navy.

A native of Binghamton, New York, he received his commission through the NROTC program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He graduated in May 1979 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. Later in his career, he was selected for postgraduate education at the National Defense University in Washington D.C. and graduated with distinction in June 1996, earning a Master of Science Degree in National Resource Strategy.

Sea assignments include tours aboard fast attack and ballistic missile submarines and a submarine tender. His first assignment was to the ballistic missile submarine USS Will Rogers (SSBN 659)(BLUE) as the Main Propulsion Assistant and Assistant Engineer, completing five strategic deterrent patrols before detaching in July 1983. He served as the chief engineer of construction of the submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752) and detached following the ship’s shakedown operations. As the Executive Officer of USS Phoenix (SSN 702), he participated in numerous fleet operations including a live-fire test detonation of a Mk-48 torpedo and a special North Atlantic deployment. In April 1997, Captain Volonino assumed command of USS Nebraska (SSBN 739)(BLUE). Under his command Nebraska conducted a high-visibility Mediterranean deployment and four strategic deterrent patrols. During that period, Nebraska twice earned the Submarine Squadron SIXTEEN Battle Efficiency award. In March 2003, Captain Volonino assumed command of Emory S. Land (AS 39), home ported in La Maddalena, Sardinia. While in command, the ship distinguished herself while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, earned the COMSUBFOR Battle Efficiency award twice, was awarded the CNO Safety Award and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

Shore assignments include Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition and Technology) where he was responsible for oversight of Navy ship construction and major weapons system acquisition programs as well as Deputy Director for ASW Requirements for the CNO. While assigned to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he served as the Strategic Operations Chief for the Chairman and led CJCS Current Operations Teams during Operations Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle. Additionally, he was qualified as Deputy Director for Operations in the National Military Command Center.

Captain Volonino assumed duties as COMCARSTKGRU FIVE Chief of Staff in September 2004.

Volonino is featured in Douglas C. Waller's book Big Red: The Three-Month Voyage of a Trident Nuclear Submarine. He served as the Commanding Officer of the Blue Crew and is mentioned throughout the story.