Admiral Jonathan Greenert

Admiral Jonathan Greenert (born May 22, 1949) is a retired United States Navy admiral who served as the 30th Chief of Naval Operations from 2011 to 2015. A career submariner, he commanded deployed forces in the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean and later led strategic policy and operations for the Department of Defense and the National Security Council as a senior military officer.

Early life and education

Born in Portsmouth, Ohio, Greenert was raised in Pomeroy, Ohio and graduated from Pomeroy High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 1971, where he was commissioned as an ensign. Greenert later completed a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Michigan and attended the Naval War College and the National War College, participating in curricula associated with strategic studies, national security, and joint military operations.

Naval career

Greenert qualified in Submarine Warfare and served on nuclear-powered submarines including USS Skipjack and USS Narwhal, contributing to operations during the Cold War era. He commanded the attack submarine USS Hyman G. Rickover and later served afloat as commodore of Submarine Group 8. Ashore, Greenert held assignments with the Chief of Naval Operations staff, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, including roles in operations planning for Operation Desert Storm and in policy development for Pacific Command. He served as commander of U.S. Seventh Fleet aboard the USS Blue Ridge and later as commander of United States Pacific Fleet, overseeing naval activities across the Asia-Pacific region, interactions with partners such as Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Navy, Republic of Korea Navy, and engagement with multilateral forums like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations maritime initiatives.

Chief of Naval Operations

Nominated by President Barack Obama, Greenert became the 30th Chief of Naval Operations in 2011, succeeding Admiral Gary Roughead. In this role he advised the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of Defense, and the President of the United States on naval affairs, force structure, readiness, and strategy, shaping priorities during events including the Arab Spring sea-based operations, increasing anti-piracy efforts off the coast of Somalia, and responses to Typhoon Haiyan humanitarian assistance in the Philippines. He emphasized issues such as undersea warfare modernization, shipbuilding for the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, sustainment of the Ford-class aircraft carrier program, and integration of Unmanned Undersea Vehicles into fleet operations. Greenert engaged with congressional leaders on authorization and appropriations matters involving the United States Congress, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, and worked with allies through forums including the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and NATO naval collaborations to rebalance U.S. maritime posture toward the Asia-Pacific.

Awards and honors

Greenert's decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and multiple Meritorious Service Medal awards. He received civilian recognitions and honorary degrees from institutions such as the Naval War College, the University of Michigan, and private universities, and was a recipient of professional honors from organizations including the Surface Navy Association and the Naval Submarine League.

Post-retirement activities

After retiring in 2015, Greenert joined academic and policy circles, serving on boards and advisory councils for institutions like the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Atlantic Council, and corporate boards within the defense industry. He contributed to public discourse on maritime security, Arctic operations, and energy considerations affecting naval strategy through speaking engagements at venues including the Brookings Institution, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the U.S. Naval Institute. Greenert has also been involved with veteran and educational charities such as Blue Star Families and served as a fellow at maritime and strategic research centers.

Category:1949 births Category:Living people Category:United States Navy admirals Category:Chiefs of Naval Operations