LT Joseph M. Gilmore was honored with the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN's 2008 "Statesman" Leadership Award. Gilmore was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. He received his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts in September of 1996. In April of 1998, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy under the Advanced Electronics Computer Field (AECF) Program where he successfully completed his training pipeline. He was then selected for Officer Candidate School located in Pensacola, Florida, where he earned a commission in June of 2000. Upon commissioning, he reported to Athens, Georgia, for Supply Officer BQC, and Department Head School with a follow on trip to Groton, Connecticut, for Submarine Officer's School.

Upon completion of Submarine Officer's School he reported for duty in June of 2001 as the Supply Officer aboard the USS KENTUCKY (SSBN-737) (BLUE). While aboard, he made four Strategic Deterrent Patrols, qualified Submarines, JOOD, Diving Officer of the Watch, Contact Coordinator, Piloting Party Scope Operator, Fire Control Tracking Party, DC FWD, and was selected by the Commanding Officer as the Ship's Diving Officer.

In December of 2003, he received orders to Naval Special Warfare Group ONE in Coronado, California. He was first assigned as the Financial Officer in charge of a $12.8M budget encompassing 7 command elements. He then shifted jobs to the Readiness Officer were he was in charge of the operational load-outs for 4 Seal Teams and 3 claimant commands. While attached, he deployed with SEAL Teams Five and Seven to Baghdad, Fallujah, Ramadi, and Habbaniyah, Iraq. He was also selected for the Navy's Operational Logistics Transportation Internship Program and the 810 MBA Program.

In December 2005, he received orders to Navy Cargo Handling Battalion ONE (NCHBI) in Williamsburg, Virginia. While attached he was the Crane Platforms Department Head and completed his internship. In September of 2006, he received orders to Navy Exchange Service Command as an Admirals Aide.

In August of 2007, he received orders to the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN. While aboard he was the Stock Control Officer for 12 months until he was selected to fleet-up into his current position as the Principle Assistant for Services.

He has been happily married to Desiree N. Gilmore for nine years and has two children and one on the way; Joe Jr. - 3 years, Joshua -18 months, and Grace Elizabeth expected in July of 09.