Former Three Star Admiral with Thirty-One Years of Service

MEDIA, Pa. – Today, the Sestak for Senate campaign released a new ad about his 31 years of service in the Navy and his commitment to serve the people of Pennsylvania as its next U.S. Senator.

The ad highlights the former three-star Navy Admiral’s decorated record of service, which includes serving in the White House as Director for Defense Policy on President Clinton’s National Security Council and overseeing the Navy’s $70 billion warfare budget as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations. During combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, Admiral Sestak commanded the George Washington Aircraft Carrier Battle Group, responsible for 30 ships, 100 aircraft and 15,000 Sailors, Marines & SEALs.

In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, the Navy selected Joe Sestak to serve as the first Director of “Deep Blue,” the Navy anti-terrorism unit formed in response to the attacks.

The spot underscores his dedication to public service and determination to stand up to both parties to do what is right for Pennsylvanians.

“Joe is a 31-year naval veteran and problem solver who knows how to get things done,” said Sestak advisor April Mellody. “Pennsylvania needs a Senator who is willing to put aside partisan politics and fight for working-class Pennsylvanians.”

Joe Sestak was elected to Congress in 2006 after a distinguished 31-year career in the United States Navy, and he is honored to represent the Southeastern Pennsylvania district where he was born and raised. He is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat from Pennsylvania.  During his Navy career, Joe attained the rank of 3-star Admiral, served in the White House as Director for Defense Policy on President Clinton’s National Security Council, served in the Pentagon as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, and led a series of operational commands at sea, culminating in command of the USS George Washington Aircraft Carrier Battle Group (30 ships, 100 aircraft, and 15,000 sailors/marines/aviators/SEALs) during combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. In our nation’s time of crisis in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, the Navy turned to Joe Sestak to serve as the first Director of “Deep Blue,” the Navy anti-terrorism unit formed in response to the attacks. Joe is the highest-ranking former military officer ever elected to either branch of Congress. He graduated second in his class from the U.S. Naval Academy and holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a PhD in Political Economy and Government from Harvard University. Joe lives in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Susan, and daughter, Alex, and proudly represents the 7th District, where his mother and many of his seven siblings still reside.