Admiral Gregory G. Johnson, USN (Ret.)
Former Commander, United States Naval Forces, Europe
Admiral Gregory "Grog" Johnson is a native of Westmanland, Maine. In 1968 he graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. He was commissioned in 1969 following Aviation Officer Candidate School, and 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 Independence. Subsequent squadron and sea duty assignments included VA-86 (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 (USS Forrestal); and 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.
Admiral 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 and was subsequently assigned as the Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense in May 1999. He assumed command of the U.S. Sixth Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces Southern Europe in October 2000. Admiral Johnson next commanded U.S. Naval Forces, Europe and Joint Force Command, Naples from October 2001 through October 2004. He retired from active duty 01 December 2004.
Admiral 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.
Since retiring in Dec 2004, Admiral Johnson has founded Snow Ridge Associates, which provides strategic advice and counsel. He also serves on the board of directors of several public sector companies and is active in many civic endeavors including the University of Maine's Board of Visitors and the School of Policy and International Affairs' (SPIA) Advisory Board. He and his wife Joy reside in Harpswell, Maine.
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