Lieutenant Isaac Melendez, USN

Lieutenant (LT) Melendez was born on 03 September, 1993 in Teaneck, NJ. He joined the Navy on 13 June, 2019 and attended officer candidate school (OCS) at Officer Training Command (OTC), Newport. After commissioning at OCS on 18 October, 2019, he attended Basic Division Officer Course (BDOC) at Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS) Norfolk, Virginia.

In February 2020, Ensign (ENS) Melendez received orders to LSD 48 USS Ashland, Sasebo, Japan. During this time, ENS Melendez served forward deployed first as Electronic Warfare Officer before serving as Communications Officer. As Communications Officer ENS Melendez led his division through multiple combined exercises with the Republic of Korea Navy and Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) in October, 2021.

In May 2022, LTJG Melendez received orders to Nuclear Field Advanced School, Charleston. On 20 January 2023, LTJG Melendez graduated with distinction and received orders to Nuclear Power Training Unit(NPTU), Charleston. Upon graduation from NPTU, LTJG Melendez received orders to CVN 76 USS Ronald Reagan, Yokosuka, Japan.

In August 2023, LTJG Melendez reported to CVN 76 USS Ronald Reagan where he again served forward deployed as Machinery Division Officer for 2 Propulsion Plant. He was promoted to Lieutenant (LT) in November, 2023. As Machinery Division Officer he led his division through exercise Valiant Shield before homeport shifting across the Pacific Ocean to Bremerton, Washington. 

In June of 2025 LT Melendez received orders to his current unit at the University of Utah NROTC as the Assistant Professor of Naval Science.

 Personal Decorations: Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with 1 gold star in lieu of second award).

Hobbies, sports and interests:  Hiking, photography, travel.