Major Stephen J. Caruana graduated from Texas State University in August 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Science. Prior to commissioning, he worked as a teacher. He reported to Officer Candidates School in January 2016 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in March 2016.
Second Lieutenant Caruana reported to The Basic School and graduated in September 2016 with assignment as an Air Traffic Control Officer (Military Occupational Specialty 7220). He then reported to Air Traffic Control training at Marine Aviation Training Support Group 23 in Pensacola, Florida, graduating in February 2017.
He then reported to Marine Air Control Squadron 4 (MACS-4) aboard Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, where he served as an Air Traffic Control Crew Officer and earned his basic qualifications.
In January 2018, Second Lieutenant Caruana returned to MACS-4 and served as Marine Air Traffic Control Watch Commander and Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team (MMT) Leader. He was promoted to First Lieutenant in March 2018.
In October 2018, First Lieutenant Caruana deployed with Detachment 18, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, serving as the MMT Officer in Charge during the 19.1 deployment. Following the deployment, he returned to MACS-4 in May 2019 where he served as the Uniformed Readiness Coordinator.
In June 2020, First Lieutenant Caruana was promoted to Captain and reported to Marine Corps Recruiting Command, Quantico, Virginia, where he served as the G-3 Plans Officer.
In June 2023, Captain Caruana reported to Marine Corps Air Facility (MCAF) Quantico, Virginia, where he served as the Air Traffic Control Facility Officer and Assistant Air Operations Officer. Following his promotion to Major in April 2025, he assumed duties as the MCAF Quantico Operations Officer.
In July 2025, Major Caruana attended Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama, graduating in May 2026 with a Master of Military Operational Art and Science.
In June 2026, Major Caruana reported to Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 and serves as the Executive Officer.
Major Caruana's personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2nd award) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.