Commandant Carissa Lombardo grew up in New York. She earned a Bachelor of Science
in Music Therapy & Psychology from the State University of New York at New Paltz and
a Master of Science in Special Education and Literacy from the State University of
New York at Albany.
Commandant Lombardo enlisted into the New York Army National Guard in 2012. Upon
completion of Initial Entry Training at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona, she graduated as an
All-Source Intelligence Analyst. Shortly after, Commandant Lombardo accepted a position
with the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, where she worked as a Criminal
Analyst for Homeland Security Investigations in NYC.
In 2016, Commandant Lombardo deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring
Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve, and Operation Spartan Shield. As the Non-Commissioned
Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the 369th Sustainment Brigade's Intelligence section,
Commandant Lombardo was responsible for the research, analysis, and dissemination
of intelligence related to the Central Command countries. Aside from her NCOIC and
intelligence duties, Commandant Lombardo assisted with the design and delivery of
the Brigade’s leadership development program.
In 2019, Commandant Lombardo transferred to the 69th Infantry Battalion in NYC, where
she is currently the intelligence NCOIC. She trains junior enlisted Soldiers in basic
Soldier skills and intelligence processes and mentors Soldiers to become future leaders.
Commandant Lombardo also conducts in-depth analysis, which she briefs to the Company
and Battalion Command Teams to provide timely and relevant information, pertinent
to the Command decision making process.
Most recently, Commandant Lombardo graduated from the Army’s Military Intelligence
Senior Leader Course. Her awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation
Medal, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Armed Forces Reserve Medal
with M Device, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Reserve
Component Achievement Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon
x3, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Army Service Ribbon.
Commandant Lombardo is an avid fitness athlete and nature lover. You can often find
her spending time in the gym, taking a hot yoga class, exploring the outdoors, and
traveling. She also enjoys reading, particularly non-fiction books on military, leadership,
and personal growth.
Commandant Lombardo brings twelve years of diverse leadership training and experience
to Cal Maritime from the military, education, and physical fitness sectors. She takes
great pride in developing, inspiring, and challenging Cadets, as they navigate their
journey at Cal Maritime.