Captain David Ganci grew up in Jefferson, New York, located in the Catskill Mountain region.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Elmira College in 1998. After college, he was accepted to Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida, commissioning in 1999, and moving down the street to the flight line, earning his Naval Flight Officer wings in 2001.

For his first fleet tour CAPT Ganci was assigned to the “Gauntlets” of VAQ-136, part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces assigned to CVW-5 in Atsugi, Japan. He deployed aboard USS KITTY HAWK supporting Operations SOUTHERN WATCH and IRAQI FREEDOM in 2003.

After his first fleet tour CAPT Ganci returned to NAS Whidbey Island, entering the Electronic Attack Weapons School (EAWS) and earning his Prowler Tactics Instructor patch in 2005.  He stayed on after graduation and became an EAWS instructor, minting generations of VAQ patch wearers for the fleet.

In 2008 he returned to the fleet as the Training Officer for the “Patriots” of VAQ-140.  He helped the squadron’s transition from the EA-6B ICAP II to the ICAP III aircraft and deployed with CVW-7 aboard USS EISENHOWER in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from the Arabian Sea.

For his Department Head tour CAPT Ganci reported to the “Gray Wolves” of VAQ-142 in 2010, deploying to Al Asad Airbase, Iraq in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and NEW DAWN.  While Maintenance Officer, the Gray Wolves were tasked with the VAQ community’s aircraft cleanup efforts following Operation TOMODACHI, earning the community’s “Golden Wrench” award.  Following the cleanup, CAPT Ganci helped lead the Gray Wolves through their transition to a carrier squadron, joining CVW-11 aboard the USS NIMITZ.   

Post DH CAPT Ganci reported to Navy Personnel Command, Millington TN, as the Asst. Aviation Officer Community Manager in 2012.  He directly supported CNP’s officer retention efforts through program management, genesis, and research. Following that assignment he matriculated at the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, graduating with his Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies in 2015. 

Transitioning to the EA-18G “Growler” for his command tour, CAPT Ganci reported to the “Zappers” of VAQ-130 in October of 2016.  Joining them on deployment with CVW-3, embarked on USS EISENHOWER, CAPT Ganci flew in combat with his fourth squadron in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.  In June of 2018 he took over command as “Zapper ONE” leading his squadron into a compressed OFRP cycle in preparation for their 2020 deployment. 

Completing his command tour CAPT Ganci transferred to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense – Legislative Affairs (LA), at the Pentagon in 2019, primarily supporting the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.  Upon assuming office in May 2020, Ambassador Kenneth Braithwaite, the 77th Secretary of the Navy, selected CAPT Ganci to serve as the Secretary’s Aide-de-Camp and interim Chief of Staff.  He served the Secretary until the Administration turnover in January 2021, afterward going back to LA to finish his tour.  He reported to Commander Electronic Attack Wing U.S. Pacific Fleet as Deputy Commodore in August 2022.

CAPT Ganci’s decorations include a Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, an Individual Action Air Medal with combat “V,” Strike Flight Air Medal (6 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards), and various service awards and ribbons.  He has 2,800 flight hours, 139 combat sorties, and 450 carrier arrested landings.