Key assignments preceding Lyon's advancement to flag rank included Chief of Staff, Commander Carrier Group Four, Commanding Officer, USS Richmond K. Turner (CG-20) and Commanding Officer, USS Charles S. Sperry (DD697). He has been recognized for his distinguished service by the United States and several foreign governments.

During his service in the U.S. Navy for thirty-six years, he has served in some key assignments. Lyons was Commander of the U.S. Second Fleet and Commander of the NATO Striking Fleet which were the principle fleets for implementing the Maritime Strategy. He has represented U.S. interests with military and civilian leadership worldwide - including China, Japan and other Pacific Rim countries, the European continent and Russia.

As the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations from 1983-1985, he was principal advisor on all Joint Chiefs of Staff matters and was the father of the Navy Red Cell, an anti-terrorism group comprised of Navy Seals he established in response to the Marine Barracks bombing in Beirut.

On 16 September 1985, Lyons was promoted to the four-star rank of Admiral. He then began his final Navy assignment as Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, the largest single military command in the world. His initiatives in that command from 1985-1987 contributed directly to the economic stability and humanitarian understanding in the Pacific and Indian Ocean regions and brought the U.S. Navy Fleet back to China. As Fleet Commander he managed a budget of over $5 billion and controlled a force of 250,000 personnel. He also served as Senior U.S. Military Representative to the United Nations.

After thirty-six years of service, Lyons retired from the Navy in 1987.

Education

In addition to his BS degree from the U.S. Naval Academy, he received post graduate degrees from the U.S. Naval War College and the U.S. National Defense University.

Medals, Awards & Badges

Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Meritorious Service Medal
Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Navy Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Surface Warfare Officer Badge
Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge