Henry Goodman Chiles, Jr.

Admiral, U.S. Navy

Henry Goodman Chiles, Jr. was born on 5 January 1938 in Baltimore, MD.

Military Career

Chiles entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 1956. As a first class midshipman, "Hank" was a Midshipman Company Commander and graduated with distinction. He was awarded the Thompson Trophy for promoting athletics, having helped propel Navy to the National Lacrosse Championship in 1960 as a third-string All-American. The Lucky Bag yearbook noted his "constant hustle and competitive spirit," calling him "one of the most prominent men in his class." Hank graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as an Ensign on 8 June 1960.

Following commissioning, Chiles served aboard USS Borie (DD-704) from July 1960 to September 1961. He attended the U.S. Naval Submarine School in Groton, CT, until March 1962 and then Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit in Schenectady, NY, to begin his long service in nuclear submarines. He was promoted to Lieutenant (junior grade) while at Groton.

His first submarine duty was with USS Triton from April 1963 to January 1966. While on board Triton, he was promoted to Lieutenant.

Lt. Chiles' next assignment was as an Engineering Officer with the Blue crew of the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine USS Tecumseh from January 1966 to February 1968. He was on the staff of commander, Submarine Squadron 15 as the Material Officer until June 1970, where he made Lieutenant Commander. He reported to the pre-commissioning unit USS Drum and served as its Executive Officer until September 1973, then reported for duty at the U.S. Naval Activities, United Kingdom. At this time, he took a break to receive a Masters of Arts from Oxford University as a CNO Scholar in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. Upon his departure in September 1975, he was promoted to Commander.

Commander Chiles served at COMSUBPAC under instruction until December 1975 and then reported to USS Gurnard in February 1976. Following an under-ice Arctic Ocean deployment, he assumed command of the Gurnard on 30 May 1976. The submarine also conducted a refueling overhaul in record time and a Western Pacific deployment before Chiles departed on 15 October 1979.

From 1980-83, Chiles was Special Assistant to the Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, U.S. Department of Energy, conducting fleet liaison and directing the Prospective Commanding Officer's Course for Admiral Hyman G. Rickover and his relief, Admiral Kinnaird R. McKee. He was promoted to Captain during this assignment.

Captain Chiles served as Commander, Submarine Squadron Three until July 1985 and then reported to Naval Training Center San Diego as the Center's commander.

Chiles served as Director, Strategic Submarine Division and Deputy Assistant Chief of Naval Operations for Undersea Warfare from 1985-87 and was promoted to Rear Admiral (Lower Half).

Rear Admiral Chiles took command of Submarine Group Eight, and also served concurrently as NATO's Commander Allied Submarines Mediterranean, based in Naples, Italy, until December 1990. He received his second star during this assignment.

Vice Admiral Chiles served as Commander Submarines U.S. Atlantic Fleet (COMSUBLANT), as well as NATO's Commander Allied Submarines Atlantic, from December 1990 to September 1993.

On 24 September 1993, Vice Admiral Chiles became the Deputy Commander-in-Chief and Chief of Staff for the U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) at Offutt Air Force Base.

Promoted to Admiral on 14 February 1994, Chiles became Commander-in-Chief of STRATCOM, the first Navy Admiral to hold that position. The primary focus of Chiles' tenure as USCINCSTRAT was adjusting the structure and mission for U.S. strategic nuclear forces in a post-Cold War environment.

Admiral Chiles retired from the Navy on 21 February 1996.

Education

He studied at Keble College, Oxford University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Foreign Affairs in 1973, and received a Masters of Arts degree in Foreign Affairs from Keble College, Oxford University, studying politics, philosophy and economics, in 1986.

Medals and Awards

Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit (5 Awards)
Meritorious Service Medal
Navy Commendation Medal (5 Awards)
Navy Unit Commendation (2 Awards)
Meritorious Unit Commendation awarded to Submarine Squadron 15
Navy E Ribbon with two "Es';
Navy Expeditionary Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon

Honors

He is a recipient of the Distinguished Graduate Award (DGA) of the Naval Academy Alumni Association in 2008.

In Retirement

Admiral Chiles serves as an adjunct fellow with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). He is a member of the board of advisors of the National Military Family Association (NNFA). He is also a member of the Distinguished Advisory Board to the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation. Admiral Chiles chaired the National Nuclear Security Administration Advisory Committee, and for three years was a McMullen Distinguished Professor of Leadership at the U.S. Naval Academy. His teaching style and years of experience made Admiral Chiles an ideal and very popular teacher, adding much to the Academy's curriculum.

He has served on multiple councils, boards, and committees, including Sandia National Laboratories, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, the National Defense University Capstone Program, Naval Submarine League, Naval Academy Foundation (Athletic and Scholarship Programs), McDonogh School as a trustee, As the National Chairman of the Submarine Centennial Celebration in 2000, he successfully urged the U.S. Postal Service to issue stamps honoring the Submarine Service.

In 2006, Admiral Chiles addressed the incoming Class of 2010 at the Reaffirmation Ceremony at the USNA. He welcomed the Class of 2010 aboard, citing the many years of service of the Class of 1960 including the heroic, inspirational leadership of Lieutenant General Bill Keys, USMC, and other exemplary classmates, and urging their acceptance and practice of honor, courage and commitment.

Personal

Admiral Chiles has three sons: John, Peter, and Henry. His wife, the former Katherine (Katy) L. Pearson, died in October 2006. Katy was a Navy Relief volunteer, led the spouse portion of the Capstone Course for newly selected flag and general officers and was president of the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation.

Admiral Chiles's peers describe him as a "superb naval officer and great gentleman and American," "a truly outstanding role model for today's Midshipmen," "possessing great integrity" with a "record of achievement that very few Naval officers have attained." His service to the Navy and Academy has been nothing less than outstanding.