Robert F. Willard
Encyclopedia
Robert F. Willard is a United States Navy
admiral
who serves as the Commander, U.S. Pacific Command
. He previously served as Commander
, U.S. Pacific Fleet
from May 8, 2007 to September 25, 2009. Prior to that, he served as the 34th Vice Chief of Naval Operations
from March 18, 2005 to April 2007. He assumed his current assignment on October 19, 2009.
in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts
and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy
in 1973. He also holds a Master of Science
degree in engineering management
from Old Dominion University
and was a fellow at MIT's Seminar XXI.
An F-14
naval aviator
, Willard served consecutively in Fighter Squadron 24 (VF-24)
, Fighter Squadron 124 (VF-124)
, and Fighter Squadron 2 (VF-2) at NAS Miramar, deploying aboard , , and . He then joined Navy Fighter Weapons School
Top Gun as Operations Officer and Executive Officer
, as well as aerial coordinator for the Paramount
film Top Gun
.
In 1987, Willard reported to Fighter Squadron 51 (VF-51)
, where he served as Executive Officer
and Commanding Officer
of the Screaming Eagles, embarked in USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70)
. He subsequently attended Navy Nuclear Power Training before rejoining Carl Vinson as Executive Officer. Willard then commanded the flagships and in various operations including Somalia
, and the Persian Gulf
.
As a flag officer, Willard has served on the Joint Staff as Deputy Director for Operations (Current Readiness and Capabilities); Commander, Carrier Group Five embarked in ; Deputy and Chief of Staff, Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor
, Hawaii; Commander, Seventh Fleet, embarked in in Yokosuka
, Japan; and Director for Force Structure, Resources and Assessment (DJ8) on the Joint Chiefs of Staff
. From March 2005 to April 2007, Willard was the 34th Vice Chief of Naval Operations
. After, he was the commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet from May 8, 2007 until September 25, 2009 when he was relieved by Admiral Patrick M. Walsh
. As the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet
, he was responsible for the world’s largest fleet command, encompassing 100000000 square miles (258,998,811 km²) and more than 170 ships and submarines, 1,300 aircraft, and 122,000 Sailors, Reservists and civilians.
. He pilots the Mig-28 that receives "the bird"
from Goose and Maverick. His callsign is "Rat," and his podcast is called the Rat-Pac Report.
In March 2010, Willard testified before the House Armed Services Committee and kept a straight face while Democratic Rep. Hank Johnson
expressed his concern that the island of Guam might "capsize" and "tip over" if too many people were on one side of the island, responding "We don't anticipate that."
He was the 1982 Pacific Fleet Tailhooker of the Year.
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
admiral
Admiral (United States)
In the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard and the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, admiral is a four-star flag officer rank, with the pay grade of O-10. Admiral ranks above vice admiral and below Fleet Admiral in the Navy; the Coast Guard and the Public Health...
who serves as the Commander, U.S. Pacific Command
United States Pacific Command
The United States Pacific Command is a Unified Combatant Command of the United States armed forces responsible for the Pacific Ocean area. It is led by the Commander, Pacific Command , who is the supreme military authority for the various branches of the Armed Forces of the United States serving...
. He previously served as Commander
Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet
Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet , is the title of the United States Navy officer who commands the United States Pacific Fleet. Originally established in 1907 as a two-star rear admiral's billet, the position has been held by a four-star admiral since March 19, 1915.Between 1907 and December 6, 1922,...
, U.S. Pacific Fleet
United States Pacific Fleet
The United States Pacific Fleet is a Pacific Ocean theater-level component command of the United States Navy that provides naval resources under the operational control of the United States Pacific Command. Its home port is at Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hawaii. It is commanded by Admiral Patrick M...
from May 8, 2007 to September 25, 2009. Prior to that, he served as the 34th Vice Chief of Naval Operations
Vice Chief of Naval Operations
The Vice Chief of Naval Operations is the second highest ranking officer in the United States Navy. In the event that the Chief of Naval Operations is absent or is unable to perform his duties, the VCNO assumes the duties and responsibilities of the CNO. The VCNO may also perform other duties...
from March 18, 2005 to April 2007. He assumed his current assignment on October 19, 2009.
Navy career
Willard is a Los Angeles native. In 1969, he graduated from East Longmeadow High SchoolEast Longmeadow High School
East Longmeadow High School is a public high school located in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. It is the only secondary school in the East Longmeadow School District. It enrolls approximately 800 students....
in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts
East Longmeadow, Massachusetts
As of the census of 2010, there were 16,187 people, 5,248 households, and 3,988 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,087.1 people per square mile . There were 5,363 housing units at an average density of 413.5 per square mile...
and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
in 1973. He also holds a Master of Science
Master of Science
A Master of Science is a postgraduate academic master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is typically studied for in the sciences including the social sciences.-Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay:...
degree in engineering management
Engineering management
Engineering Management or Management Engineering is a specialized form of management and engineering that is concerned with the application of engineering principles to business practice...
from Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University is a state university located in Norfolk, Virginia, United States, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools...
and was a fellow at MIT's Seminar XXI.
An F-14
F-14 Tomcat
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, two-seat, variable-sweep wing fighter aircraft. The Tomcat was developed for the United States Navy's Naval Fighter Experimental program following the collapse of the F-111B project...
naval aviator
United States Naval Aviator
A United States Naval Aviator is a qualified pilot in the United States Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard.-Naming Conventions:Most Naval Aviators are Unrestricted Line Officers; however, a small number of Limited Duty Officers and Chief Warrant Officers are also trained as Naval Aviators.Until 1981...
, Willard served consecutively in Fighter Squadron 24 (VF-24)
VF-24
VF-24 Fighter Squadron 24, called the Fighting Renegades was a fighter squadron of the United States Navy.-Background:Fighter Squadron 24 was originally commissioned as Fighter Squadron 211 in June 1955 at NAS Moffett Field. The unit flew the FJ-3 Fury aboard the . The squadron transitioned to the...
, Fighter Squadron 124 (VF-124)
VF-124
Fighter Squadron 124 was a fleet replacement squadron of the United States Navy. Known as the Gunfighters, they were active from 1958 through 1994...
, and Fighter Squadron 2 (VF-2) at NAS Miramar, deploying aboard , , and . He then joined Navy Fighter Weapons School
United States Navy Fighter Weapons School
The United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program , more popularly known as TOPGUN, is the modern-day evolution of the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School which was originally established on March 3, 1969 at the former Naval Air Station Miramar in California...
Top Gun as Operations Officer and Executive Officer
Executive officer
An executive officer is generally a person responsible for running an organization, although the exact nature of the role varies depending on the organization.-Administrative law:...
, as well as aerial coordinator for the Paramount
Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures Corporation is an American film production and distribution company, located at 5555 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood. Founded in 1912 and currently owned by media conglomerate Viacom, it is America's oldest existing film studio; it is also the last major film studio still...
film Top Gun
Top Gun
Top Gun may refer to:* Top Gun is a 1986 film starring Tom Cruise.**Top Gun , soundtrack to the movie**Top Gun , a number of games based on the movie...
.
In 1987, Willard reported to Fighter Squadron 51 (VF-51)
VF-51
VF-51, Fighter Squadron 51 was an aviation unit of the United States Navy known as the "Screaming Eagles". The squadron established in 1943 and retired and its personnel reassigned in 1995.- History :...
, where he served as Executive Officer
Executive officer
An executive officer is generally a person responsible for running an organization, although the exact nature of the role varies depending on the organization.-Administrative law:...
and Commanding Officer
Commanding officer
The commanding officer is the officer in command of a military unit. Typically, the commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit, and is usually given wide latitude to run the unit as he sees fit, within the bounds of military law...
of the Screaming Eagles, embarked in USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70)
USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70)
The USS Carl Vinson is the third United States Navy Nimitz class supercarrier and is named after Carl Vinson, a Congressman from Georgia. Carl Vinson's callsign is "Gold Eagle". It played host to the first NCAA basketball game on an aircraft carrier on 11/11/11 between the University of North...
. He subsequently attended Navy Nuclear Power Training before rejoining Carl Vinson as Executive Officer. Willard then commanded the flagships and in various operations including Somalia
Somalia
Somalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
, and the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
.
As a flag officer, Willard has served on the Joint Staff as Deputy Director for Operations (Current Readiness and Capabilities); Commander, Carrier Group Five embarked in ; Deputy and Chief of Staff, Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor, known to Hawaiians as Puuloa, is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet...
, Hawaii; Commander, Seventh Fleet, embarked in in Yokosuka
Yokosuka, Kanagawa
is a city located in Kanagawa, Japan. As of 2010, the city had an estimated population of 419,067 and a population density of 4,160 people per km². It covered an area of 100.62 km²...
, Japan; and Director for Force Structure, Resources and Assessment (DJ8) on the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Joint Chiefs of Staff is a body of senior uniformed leaders in the United States Department of Defense who advise the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and the President on military matters...
. From March 2005 to April 2007, Willard was the 34th Vice Chief of Naval Operations
Vice Chief of Naval Operations
The Vice Chief of Naval Operations is the second highest ranking officer in the United States Navy. In the event that the Chief of Naval Operations is absent or is unable to perform his duties, the VCNO assumes the duties and responsibilities of the CNO. The VCNO may also perform other duties...
. After, he was the commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet from May 8, 2007 until September 25, 2009 when he was relieved by Admiral Patrick M. Walsh
Patrick M. Walsh
Admiral Patrick M. Walsh, USN is the 59th Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. He served as the 35th Vice Chief of Naval Operations from April 2007 to August 13, 2009, and as Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet from October 2005 to February 27, 2007...
. As the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet
United States Pacific Fleet
The United States Pacific Fleet is a Pacific Ocean theater-level component command of the United States Navy that provides naval resources under the operational control of the United States Pacific Command. Its home port is at Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hawaii. It is commanded by Admiral Patrick M...
, he was responsible for the world’s largest fleet command, encompassing 100000000 square miles (258,998,811 km²) and more than 170 ships and submarines, 1,300 aircraft, and 122,000 Sailors, Reservists and civilians.
Popular culture
Willard appeared in and was a consultant for the 1986 film Top GunTop Gun
Top Gun may refer to:* Top Gun is a 1986 film starring Tom Cruise.**Top Gun , soundtrack to the movie**Top Gun , a number of games based on the movie...
. He pilots the Mig-28 that receives "the bird"
Finger (gesture)
In Western culture, the finger , also known as the middle finger, is an obscene hand gesture, often meaning the phrases "fuck off" , "fuck you" or "up yours"...
from Goose and Maverick. His callsign is "Rat," and his podcast is called the Rat-Pac Report.
In March 2010, Willard testified before the House Armed Services Committee and kept a straight face while Democratic Rep. Hank Johnson
Hank Johnson
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson Jr. is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2007. He is a member of the Democratic Party. The district is based in DeKalb County, a largely suburban county east of Atlanta. It also includes portions of Gwinnett and Rockdale counties.-Life, education and...
expressed his concern that the island of Guam might "capsize" and "tip over" if too many people were on one side of the island, responding "We don't anticipate that."
Awards and decorations
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal Defense Distinguished Service Medal The Defense Distinguished Service Medal is a United States military award which is presented for exceptionally distinguished performance of duty contributing to national security or defense of the United States... |
| Navy Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast... with 2 golden award stars |
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| Legion of Merit Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements... with 3 award stars |
|
| Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal (United States) The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969... with 2 award stars |
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| Navy Commendation Medal with 3 award stars | |
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Navy Achievement Medal |
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Joint Meritorious Unit Award Joint Meritorious Unit Award The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is a military award that was established on June 4, 1981 by Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger and was implemented by Department of Defense Directive 1348.27 dated July 22, 1982... |
 |
Navy Unit Commendation Navy Unit Commendation The Navy Unit Commendation of the United States Navy is an award that was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal on 18 December 1944... |
| Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation with 1 bronze service star Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... |
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| Navy "E" Ribbon w/ 3 Battle E devices | |
| National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... with 2 bronze service stars |
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| Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is a military award of the United States military, which was first created in 1961 by Executive Order of President John Kennedy... with 3 bronze service stars |
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| Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal The Vietnam Service Medal is a military award which was created in 1965 by order of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The distinctive design was the creation of sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones, a former employee of the Army Institute of Heraldry. The medal is issued to recognize military service during... with 1 bronze service star |
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| Southwest Asia Service Medal Southwest Asia Service Medal The Southwest Asia Service Medal is a military award of the United States armed forces which was created by order of President George H.W. Bush on March 12, 1991. The award is intended to recognize those military service members who performed duty during the years of the Persian Gulf War... with 1 bronze service star |
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Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal is a military award of the United States military which was created by Executive Order 13289 of President George W. Bush on March 12, 2003... |
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Korea Defense Service Medal Korea Defense Service Medal The Korea Defense Service Medal is a United States military award that was first created in 2002 when it was signed into law by President George W. Bush. The bill to create the proposal was introduced and championed by Rep. Elton Gallegly and Sen. Ben "Night Horse" Campbell... |
| Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 1 silver and 1 bronze service star | |
| Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon Overseas Service Ribbon An Overseas Service Ribbon is a service military award of the United States military which recognizes those service members who have performed military tours of duty outside the borders of the United States of America. There are different versions of the Overseas Service Ribbons for the U.S. Army,... with 3 bronze service stars |
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| Navy Expert Rifleman Medal Marksmanship Medal The Marksmanship Medal is a decoration of the United States Navy and the Coast Guard and is the highest award one may receive for weapons qualification... |
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| Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal |