Rear Admiral (Ret) Pete Gumataotao is a native of Guam and currently serving as the Director, Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS). He is a 1981 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and earned his Master of Arts degree in National Security Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College in 1994.
Pete has extensive experience operating globally during 37 years of active duty service, including eight years as a U.S. Navy flag officer. In addition to undertaking eleven deployments conducting defense and security exercises, he served in senior leadership positions to include command-at-sea on USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), USS Decatur (DDG 73), and as Commodore for Destroyer Squadron 31. As a Flag Officer, he held three command positions: Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea; Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 (Nimitz Strike Group); and Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic. Other Flag Officer assignments: assistant deputy chief of Naval Operation for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5B) and deputy chief of staff, Strategic Plans and Policy, Supreme Allied Command Transformation.
Pete became the Director, Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in February 2018. DKI APCSS is a Department of Defense institution and one of five regional security studies centers that addresses regional and global security issues. Military and civilian representatives participate in a comprehensive program of executive education, collaboration and outreach. DKI APCSS supports U.S. Indo-Pacific Command by developing and sustaining relationships among security practitioners and national security establishments throughout the region. DKI APCSS’ mission is to build resilient capacity, shared understanding, and networked relationships among civilian and military practitioners and institutions to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific.
His decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and other personal, unit, and campaign awards. He is the first recipient of the Admiral Zumwalt Award for Visionary Leadership. He was awarded the Order of National Security Merit Cheonsu Medal by the Republic of Korea for distinguished performance in promoting military cooperation between South Korea and the United States. He was also awarded the Bundeswehr Cross of Honour for Valour by the German military for his performance at NATO.
The Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies is a Department of Defense institute that addresses regional and global security issues. Military and civilian representatives, most from the U.S. and Asia-Pacific nations, participate in a comprehensive program of executive education, professional exchanges and outreach events, both in Hawaii and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The Center supports USINDOPACOM by developing and sustaining relationships among security practitioners and national security establishments throughout the region. DKI APCSS’ mission is to build capacities and communities of interest by educating, connecting, and empowering security practitioners to advance Asia-Pacific security. It is one of the Department of Defense’s five regional security studies centers.
