Rear Adm. Stephen D. Barnett is a native of Columbia, Tennessee. He is an alumnus of Tennessee State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and Troy State University where he earned his Master of Business Administration. He earned his commission at Aviation Officer Candidate School in 1991.
Barnett’s sea duty assignments have included Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), and VP-5. As commanding officer of VP-47 at Kaneohe, Hawaii, he led the squadron on a simultaneous deployment to Japan and Iraq, executing more than 250 missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, completing more than 950 sorties comprising 5,000 hours.
Ashore, Barnett served as a detailer at the Bureau of Naval Personnel, naval flight officer instructor for VP-30, assistant Joint Requirements Oversight Council Secretariat, senior program analyst for Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N80), and deputy executive assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. Additional assignments include deputy director of the Resource Management Division for the Chief of Naval Operations (Manpower Personnel, Training, and Education), commanding officer of Naval Base Coronado, California, chief of staff for Commander, Navy Region Southeast and Commander, Navy Installations Command, and deputy commander, Navy Installations Command.
As a flag officer, Barnett served as Commander, Navy Region Northwest and Commander, Navy Region Southwest, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Navy Closure Task Force - Red Hill.
He is currently serving as Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic.
His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal.
Last Updated: 16 September 2025