James E. Sherrard III

James E. Sherrard III is a retired United States Navy rear admiral and former Naval Aviator whose distinguished career spanned three decades of service during the Cold War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War. He is recognized for his leadership in naval aviation, commanding key operational squadrons and serving as the final commander of the Naval Air Systems Command before its merger. Following his military retirement, he pursued a successful career in the defense industry and served on the boards of several prominent corporations and non-profit organizations.

Early life and education

Born in Charleston, South Carolina, he was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1966. He subsequently earned a Master of Science degree in Administration from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.. His early military education included completion of the Naval Aviation Schools Command flight training program, earning his designation as a Naval Aviator.

Military career

Commissioned in 1966, his initial operational assignments included flying the Lockheed P-3 Orion with Patrol Squadron 44 during the Vietnam War, conducting critical maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare missions. He later commanded Patrol Squadron 31 and Patrol Squadron 45, leading deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. Key staff assignments included roles on the Chief of Naval Operations staff and as Executive Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition. He served as the Program Executive Officer for Air Anti-Submarine Warfare and Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance programs. His flag officer assignments culminated in his role as Commander, Naval Air Systems Command, where he oversaw the research, development, and acquisition of all United States Navy and United States Marine Corps aviation systems. He retired from active duty in 1996.

Post-military career and business ventures

Upon retirement, he joined Lockheed Martin as Vice President for Naval Aviation programs, leveraging his expertise in major defense acquisitions. He later served as President of the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company-Marietta, Georgia site, managing production of the C-130J Super Hercules and F-22 Raptor. He served on the corporate boards of Orbital ATK, Cubic Corporation, and AAR Corp., and held board positions with non-profit organizations including the Navy Memorial and the Association of Naval Aviation.

Personal life

He is married and maintains residences in Florida and Virginia. An active alumnus, he has served on the United States Naval Academy Foundation's board of trustees. His personal interests include aviation history and golf.

Awards and honors

His decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, two awards of the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He is also a recipient of the Gray Eagle Award as the senior active-duty Naval Aviator in the Patrol community at the time of his retirement.

Category:United States Navy rear admirals Category:United States Naval Academy alumni Category:American military personnel of the Vietnam War Category:American military personnel of the Gulf War Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)