Thirtieth Chief of Naval Operations
Admiral Jonathan Greenert harnessed innovation to build a relevant and capable future Fleet during a period of growing security challenges and fiscal uncertainty. Greenert’s combination of disciplined leadership, operational experience, and budget acumen enabled him to navigate strategic and financial changes. He leveraged technical and organizational advances to meet the Navy’s mandate of providing access and maritime dominance where it matters, when it matters.
Hailing from Butler, Pennsylvania, Jonathan Greenert graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. He was a member of the Class of 1975…“The Flower Children of the Brigade of Midshipmen.”
His career as a submariner culminated in command of USS Honolulu. He then went on to subsequent fleet command assignments, including Commander, Submarine Squadron 11; Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas; Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet; and Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
Admiral Greenert served in various fleet support and financial management positions, including Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources (N8); Deputy Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Chief of Staff, U.S. Seventh Fleet; head, Navy Programming Branch and Director, Operations Division Navy Comptroller. He served as 36th Vice Chief of Naval Operations prior to being selected as Chief of Naval Operations.
As Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Greenert led initiatives to establish enduring warfighting advantages, improve forward presence, and enhance readiness. He spearheaded new concepts for undersea, electromagnetic maneuver, and cyber warfare to build on the longstanding strengths of the Navy. Meanwhile, he expanded the use of unmanned systems in all domains. Propelling these concepts forward, Greenert deployed laser technology afloat for the first time. He also pushed the electromagnetic railgun for at-sea testing and transition, and watched the first carrier-landing of an unmanned system.
Further increasing the capacity and reach of naval forces, Admiral Greenert implemented new approaches to enhance the relevance and capability of the Fleet through modular and reconfigurable ships and more flexible personnel management systems. To address an increasingly contested maritime environment with limited resources, Greenert expanded the forward basing and deployment of naval forces around the world. Additionally, he accelerated a number of speed-to-fleet initiatives.
He stressed the innovative use of auxiliaries to carry adaptive force packages, therefore initiating a period of experimentation that allowed the Navy to maximize the utility of every Fleet asset and weapon.
In the Arabian Gulf, Admiral Greenert responded to Iranian rhetoric by doubling the number of minesweeping and patrol ships. He then converted a retired LSD and deployed it as an afloat forward staging base. He also deployed new unmanned ISR, mine detection, and countermeasure technologies, and built a multinational coalition to demonstrate international resolve. In the Asia Pacific region, he increased the number of forces, deployed the newest capabilities, and fostered improved understanding between navies. This finally led to the passage of the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) and solidified Singapore as a new forward operating location for the Littoral Combat Ship.
To improve the readiness of the fleet, Greenert implemented a new plan to train and prepare ships for deployment. He also filled personnel gaps at sea, sustained education opportunities for Sailors, and expanded opportunities for women in submarines and special warfare.
We salute you, classmate!
