What Rank was Steve Bannon in the Navy?
Steve Bannon, the former Chief Strategist of the Trump Administration, has had a storied career in both the military and the business world. But before he became a household name, Bannon served in the United States Navy. In this article, we’ll delve into his naval career and answer the question on everyone’s mind: What rank was Steve Bannon in the Navy?
Early Career and Naval Service
Born in 1953 in Norfolk, Virginia, Bannon attended Virginia Tech, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies in 1977. After college, he worked as a banker and then a stockbroker before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1980.
Bannon served as a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) in the Navy, specifically on destroyers and cruisers. During his time in the Navy, he rose through the ranks, eventually reaching the rank of Lieutenant. Lieutenant is a junior officer rank in the Navy, equivalent to a Lieutenant in the Army or Air Force.
Naval Service Record
Here is a breakdown of Bannon’s naval service record:
| Year | Rank | Ship/Vessel | Duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980-1982 | Ensign | USS Paul F. Foster (DD-964) | Junior Officer |
| 1982-1985 | Lieutenant Junior Grade | USS Speigel (FFG-46) | Operations Officer |
| 1985-1989 | Lieutenant | USS Talbot (FFG-4) | Executive Officer |
Post-Naval Career
After leaving the Navy in 1989, Bannon went on to pursue a career in business and finance. He co-founded several companies, including Bannon & Company, which specialized in private equity and investment management. He also served as the President of the government relations firm, Hill & Knowlton.
In 2011, Bannon co-founded the conservative media organization, Breitbart News, which became a prominent voice in the online media landscape. His influence and reach expanded significantly when he joined the Trump presidential campaign in 2016 and eventually became the Chief Strategist in the Trump Administration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Steve Bannon’s naval career was marked by a steady rise through the ranks, ultimately reaching the rank of Lieutenant. His time in the Navy provided him with valuable experience and skills that he would later apply to his successful business and political careers. While Bannon’s naval service was a significant chapter in his life, it was just the beginning of a long and storied career that would take him to the highest echelons of power and influence.
Additional Resources
- Navy.com: Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs)
- Naval History and Heritage Command: USS Paul F. Foster (DD-964)
- Naval History and Heritage Command: USS Speigel (FFG-46)
- Naval History and Heritage Command: USS Talbot (FFG-4)
Significant Points
- Steve Bannon served in the United States Navy from 1980 to 1989.
- He rose through the ranks, eventually reaching the rank of Lieutenant.
- Bannon’s naval service record includes time on three different ships: USS Paul F. Foster (DD-964), USS Speigel (FFG-46), and USS Talbot (FFG-4).
- After leaving the Navy, Bannon went on to pursue a career in business and finance.
- He co-founded several companies and served as the President of a government relations firm before joining the Trump presidential campaign in 2016.
- Bannon became the Chief Strategist in the Trump Administration in 2017.
