Lieutenant Colonel Christine M. Taranto, originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, began her military journey as a second lieutenant after graduating from the United States Naval Academy in May 2007. She underwent training at The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, and the Logistics Officer’s Course at Camp Johnson, North Carolina.
Throughout her career, Lieutenant Colonel Taranto has held various significant roles within the Fleet Marine Force. Notable assignments include serving as Platoon Commander and Company Executive Officer in Landing Support Company and Headquarters and Service Company Executive Officer at Combat Logistics Regiment-17 from 2008-2010. Additionally, she deployed in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM from 2008 to 2009 as the Arrival/Departure Air Control Group Officer In Charge and Platoon Commander at Combat Logistics Battalion-7. From 2010-2011, she served as Logistics Officer at Combat Logistics Battalion 13, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit during WESTPAC 11-1. Later, from 2011-2014, she took on roles as Headquarters Company Commander and Operations Officer at Marine Wing Support Squadron 272. Her staff tour was as a Business Analyst at Marine Corps Systems Command from 2016 to 2019.
In July 2020, Lieutenant Colonel Taranto assumed responsibilities as the Logistics Officer of the 3d Marine Regiment, which transitioned to the 3d Marine Littoral Regiment on March 3, 2022. From July 2023 to June 2024, she proudly served as the Executive Officer of Combat Logistics Regiment One.
Lieutenant Colonel Taranto has completed various educational programs, including the Expeditionary Warfare School distance education program, Weapons and Tactics Instructor Aviation Ground Support Course, Naval War College JPME Phase I distance education program, and Intermediate MAGTF Logistics Officer’s Course. Additionally, she holds a Master of Business Administration in Material Management from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Masters in Military Science from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, where she graduated as a distinguished graduate.
Beyond her military duties, Lieutenant Colonel Taranto finds strength in family with her husband Benjamin and daughter Ruth.