A native of Manitowoc, Wisc., Rear Adm. Fanta commissioned in 1983 from the U.S. Naval Academy.

Fanta’s operational tours include: commanding officer of Amphibious Squadron Two and Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group; Command of USS Rushmore (LSD 47) and USS Falcon (MHC 59).  Combat systems and weapons officer for USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53); Chief engineer in USS Pegasus (PHM 1); and 1st lieutenant and damage control assistant in USS Coontz (DDG 40).

Fanta’s shore tours include: director, Ballistic Missile Defense and Combat Systems Integration, Surface Warfare Division (N86F); executive assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller); senior fellow, Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group; chief, Programming and Budget Joint Staff (J8); chief, Programming Branch, Navy (OPNAV N8); chief Programming Branch, Naval Personnel (OPNAV N12); Surface Warfare assignments officer, Bureau of Personnel, and Gas Turbine Engineering instructor, Navy Surface Warfare School.

Fanta holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University, and a Master of Science in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards).