Captain Howard Wanamaker, U.S. Navy (Ret.) A native of Miami, Florida, Capt. Howard Wanamaker graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering. He completed NROTC training and was commissioned in December 1990. His flight training began in February 1991 at VT-10, NAS Pensacola, Fla. After VT-10, he reported to VAW-120 for training as an E-2C naval flight officer, receiving his "Wings of Gold" in December 1992. Wanamaker reported for his first assignment to VAW-122 “Steeljaws” and deployed onboard USS Constellation (CV 64) for an "Around the Horn" cruise. After making several counter-narcotics detachments, he joined VAW-125 “Tigertails” in March 1995 and deployed onboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in support of Operation Decisive Endeavor. In April 1997, Wanamaker returned to VAW-120 “Greyhawks” as an instructor. He was selected "Hawkeye of the Year" in 1999. After completing his instructor tour, he reported to CVW-17 and deployed with "Team Quicksand" onboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) in support of Operation Southern Watch. In October 2002, Wanamaker reported to VAW-126 “Seahawks” for his department head tour as maintenance officer. During his tour, the Seahawks earned the Battle "E" and Aker's AEW Excellence Awards. Flying in the last Fleet Operational Group Zero squadron, he deployed twice onboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, flying over 75 combat missions. After completing his department head tour in March 2005, he reported to Commander, Naval Air Forces N8 as the VAW/VRC requirements officer. In June 2006, Wanamaker returned to VAW-120 Greyhawks and served as executive officer. During his tour, he earned the degree of Executive Master of Business Administration with Distinction from the Naval Postgraduate School in September 2007. He also received the Rear Admiral Thomas R. McClellan Award for Academic Excellence. In February 2008, Wanamaker reported to VAW-123 “Screwtops” as executive officer. He assumed command of the Screwtops in May 2009. During his command tour, the Screwtops received the Commander, Naval Air Forces Retention Excellence Award and the Blue "M" Medical Readiness Award. After completing his command tour in July 2010, he reported to the staff of Commander, Carrier Strike Group 12 as air operations officer. In April 2011, Wanamaker reported to North Atlantic Treaty Organization Headquarters, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation. During his tour, he served as human factors & cognitive science section head. In August 2013, Wanamaker reported to NAS Jacksonville, Fla., as executive officer and became the 46th commanding officer on February 20, 2015. He commanded NAS Jacksonville, the third largest naval installation in the world, until August 18, 2016. During the change of command, he retired from the United States Navy after faithfully serving our country for 26 years. In August 2016, Wanamaker joined Hanania Automotive Group as Director of Human Resources, and in January 2018, he was promoted to Chief Strategy Officer. Hanania Automotive Group is based out of Jacksonville, Fla., and has 18 brand franchises, 2 collision centers, and over 650 team members. Wanamaker has accumulated over 3,000 flight hours and 470 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (third award), Air Medal (fourth Strike/Flight award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (seventh award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (sixth award), as well as other individual, unit, and campaign awards. .