William E. Gortney

William E. Gortney is a retired United States Navy admiral who served as the commander of both United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). His distinguished career included key operational commands during the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War, as well as leadership of major fleet and strike group formations. Gortney's final assignment culminated nearly four decades of service, overseeing the defense of the United States and Canada from his headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base.

Early life and education

William E. Gortney was born on June 3, 1953, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He graduated from East Carolina University in 1977, where he was a member of the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program and received his commission as an ensign. His initial training included flight school, leading to his designation as a naval aviator. Gortney later attended the Naval Postgraduate School, earning a master's degree, and is also a graduate of the prestigious National War College in Washington, D.C..

Military career

Gortney's operational career began as an F-14 Tomcat pilot. He commanded Strike Fighter Squadron 15 (the "Valions") and later the USS ''Theodore Roosevelt'' (CVN-71), a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. During the Gulf War, he flew combat missions from the USS ''America'' (CV-66). He rose to flag rank and commanded Carrier Strike Group Ten during the initial combat operations of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Subsequently, he served as the director of the Joint Staff and later commanded the United States Naval Forces Central Command, the Combined Maritime Forces, and the U.S. Fifth Fleet from Manama, Bahrain, a critical role in maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea.

His later assignments included serving as the commander of United States Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia. In 2014, he was promoted to admiral and assumed command of both United States Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, with headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In this role, he was responsible for the territorial defense of North America and coordinating defense support to civil authorities. He retired from active duty in 2016 after 39 years of service.

Post-military career

Following his retirement from the United States Navy, Gortney joined the private sector. He serves on the board of directors for Huntington Ingalls Industries, the largest Department of Defense shipbuilding company, which constructs vessels such as the ''Gerald R. Ford''-class aircraft carriers and ''Virginia''-class submarines. He is also a senior advisor to the Cohen Group, a consulting firm founded by former United States Secretary of Defense William Cohen.

Awards and decorations

Admiral Gortney's personal awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, four awards of the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star Medal. He also wears the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Navy Unit Commendation, and numerous campaign and service medals reflecting his participation in operations from the Gulf War to the Global War on Terrorism.

Personal life

William E. Gortney is married and has two children. He maintains a connection to his alma mater, East Carolina University, and has been involved in veteran support initiatives. His personal interests include aviation history and golf.

Category:1953 births Category:Living people Category:United States Navy admirals Category:East Carolina University alumni Category:Recipients of the Bronze Star Medal