Rear Adm. Quinn is a 1977 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. His sea tours included service as a Division Officer and Operations Department Head in USS Racine (LST 1191), Combat Systems Officer in USS O'Brien (DD 975), Combat Systems Officer in USS Chandler (DDG 996), Executive Officer in USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), Commanding Officer in USS Barry (DDG 52), and Commander, Destroyer Squadron 28.

Rear Adm. Quinn is a Distinguished Graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School, graduating with a Master's degree in Information Science. He also attended the Surface Warfare Officer Department Head School, graduating first in his class and receiving the City of Newport and Navy League Award. He completed his Joint Service education at the Armed Forces Staff College.

Assignments ashore have included service as Aide to Commander, Naval Surface Force, Pacific Fleet; as Head of the Contingency Cell and Strike Leader Attack Training Syllabus (SLATS) instructor at the Naval Strike Warfare Center; as senior member of the CINC's Initiatives Team on the Special Staff of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Transportation Command; as Branch Head for Land Attack Warfare (N864) on the Chief of Naval Operations' staff; and as Executive Assistant to Commander, Atlantic Fleet/Commander, Fleet Forces Command.

Rear Adm. Quinn assumed command of USS Barry (DDG 52) in December 1995. During his tour, Barry made her second deployment to the Mediterranean, serving as Adriatic Sea REDCROWN - the air defense and air control unit in support of NATO air operations into Bosnia, and as Task Force 60 Air Warfare Commander. Under his command, Barry received the Battenberg Cup as the best overall ship, aircraft carrier, or submarine in the Atlantic Fleet (#1 of 177 operational units); the Arizona Memorial Trophy for best combat readiness; the Golden Anchor Award for the best retention and people programs; and the CNO Safety Award. Barry is the only ship ever to win all these awards in the same year.

Rear Adm. Quinn assumed command of Destroyer Squadron 28 in May 2000. During this tour, he deployed to the Mediterranean and served as Commander, Task Force 60 (CTF 60) and Battle Force SIXTH Fleet during Operation Enduring Freedom - the global war on terrorism. As CTF 60 he led a Joint Task Force to interdict terrorist associated shipping throughout the Mediterranean and provided ready TOMAHAWK strike capability to theater Commanders in Chief.

Rear Adm. Quinn's awards include the Legion of Merit (4), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (3), the Navy Commendation Medal (2), the Navy Achievement Medal, and various campaign and unit decorations. He is also a recipient of the CINCPACFLT Shiphandler of the Year Award.