Gary Roughead

US Navy 070927-N-3642E-171 Adm. Gary Roughead, commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, testifies before the Committee on Armed Services during his confirmation hearing for appointment to Chief of Naval Operations

US Navy 071012-N-4238B-095 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead speaks with crew members aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20)

US Navy 080815-N-8273J-253 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead, left, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Joe R. Campa Jr. speak with Sailors, Marines and Soldiers

US Navy 100513-N-8273J-010 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead speaks at the Heritage Foundation

Surface Warfare Officer Insignia

Joint Chiefs of Staff seal

Gary Roughead (1951) is a retired United States Navy admiral who served as the 29th Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). Born in Buffalo, New York, Roughead graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1973. Throughout his career, he commanded at every level within the Navy, including the USS Barry (DDG-52), USS Port Royal (CG-73), Carrier Strike Group Two, and the United States Fleet Forces Command. As CNO, Admiral Roughead was known for his efforts to modernize the Navy's fleet and for his focus on cyber warfare and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Early Life and Education

Gary Roughead was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1951. He attended the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1973. Furthering his education, Roughead received a Master's degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.

Naval Career

Admiral Roughead's naval career is marked by a series of command positions. Early in his career, he served on various ships and in various capacities, including as the executive officer of the USS O'Brien (DD-975) and the commissioning chief engineer of the USS ''Kinkaid'' (DD-965).

Command Positions

Roughead's command assignments included the USS Barry (DDG-52), a guided-missile destroyer, and the USS Port Royal (CG-73), a guided-missile cruiser. He also commanded the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, demonstrating significant leadership in naval operations.

Chief of Naval Operations

In 2007, Gary Roughead was appointed as the 29th Chief of Naval Operations. His tenure as CNO was notable for several key initiatives, including efforts to integrate cyber warfare capabilities into naval operations and to expand the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for reconnaissance and combat. Roughead also focused on modernizing the Navy's fleet, advocating for the development and deployment of the Littoral Combat Ship and the Zumwalt-class destroyer.

Retirement

Admiral Gary Roughead retired from the Navy in 2011. Following his retirement, he has been involved in various defense and security-related think tanks and boards, contributing his expertise on naval affairs and national security issues.

Legacy

Admiral Roughead's legacy in the Navy is marked by his forward-thinking approach to naval warfare and his efforts to modernize the fleet. His leadership during a time of technological change has helped position the Navy to face new challenges in the 21st century.

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