Captain Aaron C. Carlton is a native of Torrance, California, and grew up in Southern California. He graduated from Biola University with a Master of Divinity in 2003 and was commissioned as a Navy Chaplain in 2004 after serving eight years on staff at a local church.
After completing training at Navy Chaplain School in Newport, Rhode Island, Lieutenant Junior Grade Carlton was assigned to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, serving at the School of Infantry West. In 2008, he deployed with I MEF Headquarters Group to Iraq and was later was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16 (Forward), providing spiritual and emotional support to 10 squadrons. Following this deployment, Lieutenant Carlton received orders to Washington, DC, serving at the Office of the Chief of Navy Chaplains. In 2012, Chaplain Carlton executed orders to Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Okinawa, Japan, where he served as Headquarters and Service Battalion Chaplain, chaplaincy supervisor and Base Chaplain.
In 2015, Lieutenant Commander Carlton was assigned to the USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8) where he served as the Command Chaplain and as the Deputy ARG Chaplain for their 2016 WESTPAC deployment. He provided support to the USS MUSTIN (DDG 89), the USS WAYNE E. MEYER (DDG 108), and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). In 2018, Lieutenant Commander Carlton was assigned as the District Chaplain for 12th Marine Corps District where he supported Marines on recruiting duty dispersed across 8 subordinate units in 11 western states and US territories. In 2021, Commander Carlton became the Deputy Chaplain for Naval Forces Central Command and US Fifth Fleet in Manama, Bahrain, overseeing Navy and Marine Corps Religious Ministry Teams within the Central Command and 5th Fleet area of operations.
Captain Carlton recently completed his assignment as the Regimental Chaplain at Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, where he oversaw four Religious Ministry Teams and the Command Religious Program, supporting recruits, Drill Instructors, staff and families. He currently serving as the Force Chaplain for Marine Forces Reserve and US Marine Corps Forces South.
His unit awards include the Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Battle “E” Efficiency Award and the Humanitarian Service Medal. His personal awards include Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star.