Commander John D. Zimmerman, from Bloomington, Illinois, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

After completing nuclear power training and the Submarine Officer’s Basic Course, he reported to his first assignment, USS GEORGIA (SSBN729) (BLUE), where he served as Main Propulsion Assistant and Tactical Systems Officer. During this first tour he made six strategic deterrent patrols.

Commander Zimmerman was then assigned as the Flag Aide to the Director Test Evaluation, and New Technology Requirements (N091) on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations from June 1993 to May 1995.

Following completion of the Submarine Officer Advanced Course in December 1995, where he was recognized with the L.Y. Spear and David Lloyd awards for excellence in academics and leadership, he served as Engineer on board USS PORTSMOUTH (SSN 707) from January 1996 until July 1998. During this tour, USS PORTSMOUTH completed two Western Pacific deployments and was awarded the Submarine Squadron ELEVEN Engineering RED “E” and Battle Efficiency “E”.

From August 1998 until July 2000, Commander Zimmerman served as Squadron Engineer Officer for Submarine Squadron ELEVEN. In August 2000 he reported to the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. There he earned a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Affairs, graduating first in his class. Commander Zimmerman was also recognized with the William Sowden Sims Award for excellence in leadership.

In October 2001 he reported as the Executive Officer of USS MARYLAND (SSBN738)(GOLD). During this tour USS MARYLAND completed three strategic deployments and was awarded the Submarine Squadron TWENTY Battle Efficiency “E” award.

Commander Zimmerman’s most recent tour was as an industrial base analyst on the staff of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Industrial Policy). There he was the program lead for the Global Shipbuilding Industrial Base Benchmarking Study, a comprehensive assessment of U.S. and international private shipyard.

Commander Zimmerman’s decoration include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three stars, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two stars, and various unit awards.

Commander Zimmerman is married to the former Leah Faris of Citrus Heights, California. They have two sons, Tyler and Connor.