Commander in Chief Allied Forces, Southern Europe (CINCSOUTH) Commander U.S. Naval Forces, Europe (COMUSNAVEUR) ADMIRAL GREGORY G. JOHNSON, U.S. NAVY (2001- ) Admiral Johnson is a native of Westmanland, Maine.  He graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science.  Following Aviation Officer Candidate School, he was commissioned in 1969 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 include 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 EISENHOWER).  Shore duty assignments include: 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.   In May 1999, he assumed duties as the Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense.  Admiral Johnson's previous assignment was Commander, U.S. SIXTH Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces Southern Europe.  Admiral Johnson assumed duties as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe and Commander in Chief, Allied Forces, Southern Europe on October 24, 2001.  Admiral Johnson’s decorations and awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (with two Bronze Oak Leaf), Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with two Gold Stars), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with two Gold Stars), Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various service and campaign awards.