Gregory G. Johnson

Admiral, U.S. Navy

Gregory G. Johnson was born in 1946 in Westmanland, ME. He graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. Following Aviation Officer Candidate School, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1969 and, upon completion of flight training, designated a Naval Aviator in 1970.

His initial sea duty assignment was in VA-66 flying the A-7E Corsair II and deploying in USS Nimitz. Subsequent squadron and sea duty assignments include VFA-86 on USS Nimitz; VA-174; Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of VA-105 (Marine Air Group Twelve and USS Forrestal); Deputy Commander, Carrier Air Wing Six on USS Forrestal; and Commander, Carrier Air Wing Three on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Shore duty assignments include the Command and Staff Course, Naval War College (graduating with highest distinction); Systems Analysis Division (OP-96) of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations; F/A-18/A-7 Readiness Officer on the staff Commander Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Joint Chiefs of Staff as Head of the European Command/Central Command Branch of the Joint Operations Division (JOD), Operations Directorate (J-3); and Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as the Executive Assistant to the Chairman.

Johnson was selected for flag rank in February 1995. His first flag assignment was as the Director of Operations, Plans, and Policy (N3/N5) on the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet staff. In February 1996, he reported as Commander, Carrier Group Eight/USS Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group where he served until August 1997. In September 1997, he reported as the Senior Military Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense.

In May 1999, he assumed duties as the Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense. His previous assignment was Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces Southern Europe.

On 24 October 2001, Johnson was promoted to the four-star rank of Admiral and assumed duties as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe and Commander-in-Chief, Allied Forces, Southern Europe.

Admiral Johnson retired from the Navy in December 2004.

Medals and Awards

Defense Distinguished Service Medal (3 Awards)
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit (3 Awards)
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (3 Awards)
Air Medal
Navy Commendation Medal
Navy Achievement Medal

Badges

Naval Aviator Insignia

In 2003, he was awarded the Naval War College Distinguished Graduate Leadership Award.

In Retirement

After retiring from the Navy, Johnson settled in Harpswell, ME. He started Snow Ridge Associates, a consulting firm. He is a member of the Energy Security Leadership Council and sits on the board of directors of Integrian, a surveillance technology company. He is also an Outside Director of CACI International.

Johnson serves as a co-leader of the National Security Project (NSP) at the Bipartisan Policy Center.