Captain Tamara Graham

Captain Tamara Grahm is the U.S. Navy Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Commander of the Naval Air Force in the US Pacific Fleet.

Commissioned in 1993 through the Navy ROTC program and designated as a Naval Aviator in 1996, reporting to HS-6 in San Diego. That same year, she deployed in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH on the USS Kitty Hawk in 1996 and on the USS Carl Vinson in 1998. She was selected as HS-6 Pilot of the Year.

In 2002 CAPT Graham reported to COMCARGRU ONE (CCG-1) where she assisted in the planning and evaluation of training exercises for all west coast Carrier and Expeditionary Strike Groups. During this tour, she was selected to attend the Seahawk Weapons and Tactics training course and was designated as an instructor in 2004. CAPT Graham then reported to the HS-8 “Eightballers” for her Department Head tour.

She deployed on the USS Carl Vinson in 2005 and forward deployed to conduct overland combat operations in support of Multi-National Division-SE and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, flying over 40 combat sorties. She was also awarded the 2006 CNAF Navy and Marine
Association Leadership Award.

In 2007, CAPT Graham attended the Naval War College where she received her Master’s degree in National Security Studies. Following that tour, she reported for a joint duty assignment at Special Operations Command, Pacific (SOCPAC) where she conducted Theater Security Cooperation planning and engagement in South and Southeast Asia.

CAPT Graham reported to the HS-4 Black Knights as the Executive Officer (XO) in 2010. During her XO tour she deployed on the USS Ronald Reagan, participating in Operations TOMODACHI, NEW DAWN, and ENDURING FREEDOM, as well as supporting numerous overseas contingency operations. She took command of the Legendary Black Knights in 2011 and, as Commanding Officer, was selected for the 2012 Navy and Marine Association Leadership Award. Following HSC-4, she reported to Commander, Naval Air Force (CNAF) Staff in 2013 as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion.

CAPT Graham has over 3000 flight hours in SH-60F/H/S aircraft. Her awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, 2 Air Medals (Strike/Flight), 4 Navy and
Marine Corps Commendation Medals, 2 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various unit and campaign decorations.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion believes "Diversity encompasses more than race and gender. It accepts differences in thought, backgrounds, and experiences. It is not about removing barriers for some. It is about creating opportunity for all, where each individual’s contribution is valued and respected. Inclusion is about valuing and integrating each individual’s differences into the way our organizations function and make decisions. Our collective capability for inclusion is distinctly linked to sustaining a Pacific Fleet culture that embraces innovation, diversity, and inclusion.

 

Moderating a breakout session hosted by the Navy during Latina Day of the 2014 Hispanic Engineering, Science and Technology Week (HESTEC) held on the campus of the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA), Oct. 8, 2014. (U.S. Navy photo by Burrell Parmer, NRD San Antonio Public Affairs/Released