CAPT Andrew Gainer

CAPT Andrew Gainer
MS IT Management, University of Maryland (Online); B.S., Civil Engineering, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
Commanding Officer
Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC Pacific)

BIOGRAPHY

Captain Andrew Gainer assumed duties as Commanding Officer of Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC Pacific), May 7, 2020. Gainer served as the command’s Executive Officer from February 2017 to May 2020. NIWC Pacific hosts more than 4,800 civilian and military personnel charged with research, development, fielding, and support of advanced technologies which underpin a range of command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR), cyber, and space capabilities.

A native of Washington state, Gainer received his commission upon graduation from Northwestern University and entered the Navy’s nuclear propulsion and submarine training program. After 12 years in the submarine force, he transferred to the Information Professional (IP) Officer community in 2007. He holds a master’s degree in information technology management from the University of Maryland.

At sea, Gainer served aboard USS Birmingham (SSN 695), USS Florida (SSBN/SSGN 728 GOLD), Commander Task Group (CTG) 515.1, and USS Peleliu (LHA 5). In 2015, he assumed the role of Information Warfare Commander (IWC) in Carrier Strike Group 3, where he integrated all four Navy IW disciplines (intelligence, cryptologic, C4I, and meteorological/oceanographic) into strike group plans and operations. Gainer also served in Baghdad, Iraq, where he collaborated with Iraqi and international stakeholders to strengthen Iraq’s information and communications technology sector.

Gainer’s shore assignments include a variety of divisional and departmental leadership positions. In 2004, he reported to Commander, Submarine Group Eight in Naples, Italy, as the Deputy Operations Officer and Senior Watch Officer. He remained in Naples as the first Navy Europe Plans and Operations Executive Officer in the combined U.S. Sixth Fleet/Naval Forces Europe staff. Then, as a new IP, he reported as Commander, U.S. Third Fleet Information Management officer, where he helped develop the Maritime Operations Center (MOC) concept. In May 2013, he reported to the NIWC Pacific Program Executive Office for C4I, where he supervised development and acquisition of shore- based tactical networks.

Gainer’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation and Achievement Medals, and various service and campaign awards.