Vernon E. Clark

Admiral Vernon E. Clark

Vernon E. "Vern" Clark (born September 7, 1944 in Sioux City , Iowa ) is an American military man. He was the 27th Chief of Naval Operations in the United States Navy .

Life

Clark grew up in the northwestern United States, graduated from Evangel College and received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Arkansas . He then attended the Officer Candidate School and received his officer license in 1968.

He served on the destroyers USS John W. Weeks (DD-701) and USS Gearing (DD-710) . With the rank of lieutenant , he then commanded the USS Grand Rapids (PG-98) . He also commanded USS McCloy (FF-1038) , USS Spruance (DD-963) , the Anti-Submarine Warfare Center, Destroyer Group Seven and Destroyer Group Five. After being selected for the post of flag officer, the Admiral commanded the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Carrier Group , Destroyer Group Two, the US 2nd Fleet and the US Atlantic Fleet .

Clark was named 27th Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) in the US Navy on July 21, 2000 and held that position until July 22, 2005. This made him the longest-serving CNO since Admiral Arleigh Burke . He was succeeded by Admiral Michael G. Mullen . Among other things, Clark formulated a new mission doctrine called Sea Power 21 .

Awards

Selection of decorations, sorted based on the Order of Precedence of Military Awards :

• Defense Distinguished Service Medal (3 ×)
• Navy Distinguished Service Medal (2 ×)
• Legion of Merit (3 ×)
• Defense Meritorious Service Medal
• Meritorious Service Medal (4 ×)
• Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal
• Navy Unit Commendation
• National Defense Service Medal (2 ×)
• Vietnam Service Medal (3 ×)
• Southwest Asia Service Medal

Web links

Commons : Vern Clark  - Collection of Images, Videos and Audio Files