us navy photo by journalist 2nd class denny boyles
A 1968 US Naval Academy graduate, Admiral Johnson served as a naval aviator during two combat tours in Vietnam, and later flew F-14 Tomcat fighters, going on to command Fighter Squadron 84. He next commanded Carrier Air Wing One and led its squadrons in a 1986 strike on Libya. Johnson’s first Flag Officer assignment was as Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel for Distribution in the Bureau of Naval Personnel. In October 1992, he reported as Commander, Carrier Group 8/Commander, USS Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group, and in July 1994 he accepted a new assignment as Commander, Second Fleet/Commander, Striking Fleet Atlantic/Commander, Joint Task Force 120. Admiral Johnson became the 28th Vice Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, DC, in March 1996 and in August of that same year was tapped by President Bill Clinton to become the 26th Chief of Naval Operations. During his confirmation hearing, Admiral Johnson stated, “As a vision for the future, let me just say that we will steer by the stars and not the wake.” He explained that under his leadership, four stars of equal magnitude in the constellation would guide the US Navy: operational primacy, leadership, teamwork, and pride. Admiral Johnson retired as CNO and as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in July 2000, culminating a distinguished thirtytwo-year career in the United States Navy. A lifelong history enthusiast, Admiral Johnson values the study of history for all citizens, particularly those in the navy. Officers make better decisions when they are armed with the lessons from others’ experiences in hisADM Jay L. Johnson is briefed on the controls and moni- tory. This awareness is foundational to the success of the institution, and it is toring systems in the central control station on board the important to showcase the Navy at every opportunity. The commemorations coastal mine hunter USS Robin during the CNO’s visit for the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and Fleet Week events around the country highlight the Navy’s critical role in our nation’s history and the to Naval Station, Ingleside, Texas, April 1998. important role it plays today. The Battle of Midway is considered one of the most decisive American naval battles in history; a yearly commemoration helps new generations understand how this battle in the Pacific in World War II changed the tenor and outcome of the war. Those in the Navy are inspired by this history, which helps solidify their commitment to serve. Admiral Johnson considers his naval career and the chance to serve the greatest privilege in his life, reflecting that the things he learned in flying fighters and leading the Navy have provided the baseline for all of his endeavors. After his retirement from the military, Johnson served in various senior executive roles at Dominion Resources, Inc., from 2000 to 2008. He went on to serve as chairman and CEO of General Dynamics Corporation from 2010 to 2012. Admiral Johnson is currently a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves as a director of International Paper Company, the US Naval Academy Foundation, the Peregrine Fund, and Wynn Resorts, Ltd. The National Maritime Historical Society Distinguished Service Award is presented to individuals and organizations, who, through their effort and creativity, have made outstanding contributions to our maritime heritage.
The Williams-Mystic Program will receive the NMHS Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Maritime Education for leadership in providing an outstanding undergraduate studies program examining the history, literature, policy, and science of the sea. A collaboration of Williams College, a private liberal arts college in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut, the Williams-Mystic program is a transformative ocean and coastal studies semester offering an immersive, interdisciplinary curriculum. Each semester, Williams-Mystic introduces 17 to 24 students to multifaceted issues regarding our oceans and coasts through an interdisciplinary approach. The seventeen-week intensive program includes four core courses: maritime history, marine Williams-Mystic students and faculty gather for a group photo in front of the 1841 whaler Charles W. Morgan, flagship of Mystic Seaport Museum, the home campus for the program. 12
photo by jesse edwards
Williams-Mystic, the Maritime Studies Program of Williams College and Mystic Seaport
SEA HISTORY 166, SPRING 2019