Name:   PENNALA, Veli-Jukka

Rank:     Rear Admiral

Post:      Commander of the Finnish Navy

Date and

Place of

birth:     26 October, 1953, in Seinäjoki

Family:  Married to Anja Pennala, two sons; Juhani, Lauri

Rear Admiral Pennala was appointed Commander of the Finnish Navy from 1 September 2011.

RADM Pennala served as Chief of Staff, Navy Command Finland from 2006 until 31 August 2011. Before reaching this position he also served as CO of the Archipelago Sea Naval Command from 2001 until 2005, teacher at the National Defence College, Chief of Operations at the Archipelago Sea Fleet HQ from 1997 until 1998 and as CO of the Missile Squadron from 1994 until 1997. Pennala also served as Staff Officer at the Navy Command (1990-1994), Operations Officer in the Missile Squadron (1987-1990) and Commanding Officer (FAC´s) and Junior Officer at the Coastal Fleet from 1978 until 1985. In 1987 he completed his General Staff Officer’s degree. RADM Pennala also studied in the United States at the Naval Command College in 1999. He was promoted to Commodore in 2005 and to Rear Admiral in 2011.