James Edward Pitts[1] (born 1964)[2] is a United States Navy vice admiral who has served as the deputy chief of naval operations for warfighting requirements and capabilities since December 2023.

[3][4][5][6][7][8] Raised in Milton, Florida, Pitts graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering.

[3] He later earned a Master of Arts degree in national security affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School in December 1992.

[9] His master's thesis was entitled Theater Ballistic Missile Defenses: An Emerging Role for the Navy?.

[10] In April 2023, Pitts was nominated for promotion to vice admiral and assignment as deputy chief of naval operations for warfighting requirements and capabilities.