Cmdr. Scott Lanum is a native of Waldorf, Maryland.  He was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps after earning a Bachelor of Science in symbolic systems from Stanford University in 2007.  He also holds a Master of Science in operations management from the University of Arkansas. 

Lanum’s sea tours include USS Warrior (MCM 10), USS Dexterous (MCM 13) with MCM Crew Exultant as electrical and auxiliaries officer; USS McClusky (FFG 41) as training officer; USS Rushmore (LSD 47) as first lieutenant; USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as navigator; and assistant future operations officer with Commander, Task Force 70 / Carrier Strike Group 5 aboard USS Ronald Regan (CVN 76).

Ashore, he served as diversity program manager at Navy Recruiting Command in Millington, Tennessee, sea based weapons systems program element monitor and joint staff support at Missile Defense Agency in Ft Belvoir, Virginia, and most recently, chief staff officer for Surface Division 21 in Mayport, Florida.

Lanum reported as officer in charge, Surface Combat Systems Training Command Det Southeast in November 2024.  

His decorations and awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit and campaign awards.
 

Last Updated: 26 January 2026