Honoring Veterans: Navy Veteran Nanette M. DeRenzi

This week’s Honoring Veterans spotlight honors the service of Navy Veteran Nanette M. DeRenzi, who served from 1984 to 2015.

Nanette M. “Nan” DeRenzi was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised in Pennsauken, New Jersey. In 1983, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Villanova University and, in 1986, graduated from Temple University School of Law. Later, she obtained a Master’s of Law degree from George Washington University Law School. 

Commissioned through the JAG Corps Student Program in 1984, DeRenzi began her career as a litigator in Rhode Island, starting with defense counsel and later trial counsel. Following this, she was assigned as Fleet Judge Advocate to Commander, U.S. 7th and 3rd fleets, and Staff Judge Advocate to Commander, Carrier Group 7. In August 2009, she was appointed Deputy Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the U.S. Navy until July 20, 2012, when she was appointed the 42nd Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the United States Navy. She was the first woman Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Navy, holding this rank for three years.

DeRenzi accomplished many feats during her career, including realigning the Navy’s global legal structure and centralizing administrative functions. While serving as JAG, she headed a global law firm of 2,300 attorneys, both military and civilian. Throughout her service, she advised senior leaders on many major legal issues, such as crisis response, sexual assault prevention, diversity, gender integration, ethics and more.

During her career, DeRenzi received many awards, including the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, four Legion of Merit awards, four Meritorious Service Medals and two Navy Achievement Medals. 

On June 26, 2015, DeRenzi retired after 31 years of service and attaining the rank of vice admiral.

We honor her service.

Nominate a Veteran for Honoring Veterans

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s Honoring Veterans social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Writer: Eden Goddard

Editors: Ethan Oleson, Tayler Rairigh

Researchers: Charmonie Baugh, Kelsey Burchard

Graphic Designer: William Vega