Lieutenant Commander Tarah Johnson is a native of Phoenix, Arizona, and was raised in
Vernon, Texas. She graduated as salutatorian from Vernon High School in 1990 where she
played varsity volleyball. Tarah attended college at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix,
graduating in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. She earned a Doctor of
Osteopathic Medicine degree in June 1998 from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in
Kirksville, Missouri.
Tarah was commissioned as a lieutenant in May 1998 and was accepted into the Navy’s
Aerospace Medicine Residency. As part of her residency, she completed an internship in family
practice at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in June 1999. Tarah then earned a Master’s
Degree in Public Health from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland, in
May 2000.
Tarah reported to the Naval Aerospace Medicine Institute in Pensacola, Florida, where
she received her naval flight surgeon wings in July 2001. She was awarded her board
certification in Aerospace Medicine in November 2001 and completed residency training in June
2002.
In July 2002, Tarah reported as the flight surgeon to Marine Strike Fighter Training
Squadron 101 (VMFAT 101) “Sharpshooters” at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar in San
Diego, California. While there, she provided medical care to more than 530 personnel at the
Marine Corps’ largest squadron.
Tarah joined the Blue Angels in September 2004. Her decorations include the Navy and
Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and various personal and unit awards.
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