ADM Gregory “Grog” Johnson

ADM Gregory “Grog” Johnson, is a native of Westmanland, Maine. He was a 1964 graduate of Caribou High School, 1968 graduate of the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, commissioned in 1969 following Aviation Officer Candidate School, and designated a Naval Aviator in 1970.

Initial sea duty assignments from 1970 to 1986 were in carrier based squadrons flying the A-7E Corsair lI deploying in USS Independence, USS Nimitz, and USS Forrestal. He served as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of VA-105 deployed with Marine Air Group TWELVE and later embarked in USS Forrestal. In 1988-90 he served as Deputy Commander, Carrier Air Wing SIX (USS Forrestal); and 1994-95 Commander, Carrier Air Wing THREE (USS Dwight D. Eisenhower). Shore duty assignments included: 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, General Colin L. Powell.

ADM Johnson was selected for flag rank in February 1995. His initial 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, Dr. John Hamre, and in May, 1999 was assigned as the Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, The Honorable William S. Cohen. ADM Johnson assumed command of the U.S. Sixth Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces Southern Europe in October 2000. A year later, he reported as Commander U.S. Naval Forces, Europe and Joint Force Command, Naples where he served from October 2001 through October 2004. He retired from active duty on December 1, 2004. Adm. Johnson’s decorations and awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (with three Bronze Oak Leafs), Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with two Gold Stars), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with two Gold Stars), NATO Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various service and campaign awards. He is the recipient of awards from Bulgaria, France, Hungary, and Italy. In 2004 he was selected to receive the Naval War College’s Distinguished Graduate Leadership Award. In May 2009, his Alma Mater, the University of Maine, awarded ADM (Ret.) Johnson an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree.

Upon retiring in Dec 2004, ADM Johnson founded Snow Ridge Associates, which provides strategic advice and counsel. In addition, he serves on several private sector boards and is active in public policy, civic, community, and educational boards and activities. ADM Johnson currently resides in Harpswell, Maine.