John B. Nathman
Encyclopedia
John B. Nathman is a retired United States Navy
admiral
who served as the Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command until 17 May 2007.
, he graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy
in 1970. In 1972, he qualified as a naval aviator, receiving the Naval Training Command's Outstanding Pilot Graduate Award while also completing a Master of Science
degree in Aerospace Engineering
.
Nathman has served in a variety of sea, shore and joint assignments, and flown over 40 different types of aircraft during his career. At sea, he flew the F-4 Phantom with Fighter Squadron Two Thirteen (VF 213) and the F-14 Tomcat
with Fighter Squadron Fifty-One (VF 51). He also commanded Strike Fighter Squadron One Thirty-Two (VFA 132), leading his squadron in the first F/A-18 combat sorties against Libya
in 1986. Nathman reported to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) in 1987 as Executive Officer, and subsequently assumed command of USS La Salle (AGF-3)
, the flagship for Commander, Middle East Force, during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm
. Nathman returned to the Nimitz as its Commanding Officer from 1992-1994.
Ashore, Nathman was assigned to the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School
at Edwards Air Force Base
, graduating with distinction in 1976. He served at Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), and oversaw the advanced tactical training of the school’s naval aviators. From 1982 to 1984, Nathman was the senior naval test pilot flying all project aircraft with the 4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron
at Nellis Air Force Base
, Nevada
. During this time, he flew 61 missions in MiG-21s and 52 missions in MiG-23s as "Bandit #29".
. In 1996, he commanded Carrier Group Seven, NIMITZ Carrier Strike Group and Battle Force FIFTY in the Persian Gulf
. Nathman subsequently served as Director, Air Warfare, on the Chief of Naval Operations staff in Washington, D.C.
In August 2000, he took command of Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet and was designated Commander, Naval Air Forces in October 2001. In August 2002, Nathman was assigned as the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations
for Warfare Requirements and Programs (N6/N7) at the Pentagon
.
Nathman served most recently as the 33rd Vice Chief of Naval Operations
from August 2004 to February 2005. He assumed command of U.S. Fleet Forces Command on February 18, 2005, and subsequently retired.
(three awards), Defense Superior Service Medal
, Legion of Merit
(four awards), Bronze Star
with Combat V
, Defense Meritorious Service Medal
, Meritorious Service Medal
(three awards), Navy Commendation Medal
with Combat V (two awards) and the Air Force Achievement Medal.
.
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
admiral
Admiral (United States)
In the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard and the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, admiral is a four-star flag officer rank, with the pay grade of O-10. Admiral ranks above vice admiral and below Fleet Admiral in the Navy; the Coast Guard and the Public Health...
who served as the Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command until 17 May 2007.
Early career
A native of San Antonio, TexasTexas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, he graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
in 1970. In 1972, he qualified as a naval aviator, receiving the Naval Training Command's Outstanding Pilot Graduate Award while also completing a Master of Science
Master's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
degree in Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering
Aerospace engineering is the primary branch of engineering concerned with the design, construction and science of aircraft and spacecraft. It is divided into two major and overlapping branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering...
.
Nathman has served in a variety of sea, shore and joint assignments, and flown over 40 different types of aircraft during his career. At sea, he flew the F-4 Phantom with Fighter Squadron Two Thirteen (VF 213) and the F-14 Tomcat
F-14 Tomcat
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, two-seat, variable-sweep wing fighter aircraft. The Tomcat was developed for the United States Navy's Naval Fighter Experimental program following the collapse of the F-111B project...
with Fighter Squadron Fifty-One (VF 51). He also commanded Strike Fighter Squadron One Thirty-Two (VFA 132), leading his squadron in the first F/A-18 combat sorties against Libya
Libya
Libya is an African country in the Maghreb region of North Africa bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad and Niger to the south, and Algeria and Tunisia to the west....
in 1986. Nathman reported to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) in 1987 as Executive Officer, and subsequently assumed command of USS La Salle (AGF-3)
USS La Salle (AGF-3)
The second USS La Salle was built as a and later served as a command ship in the United States Navy.La Salle was named for the town and county in Illinois that was in turn named after René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle....
, the flagship for Commander, Middle East Force, during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
. Nathman returned to the Nimitz as its Commanding Officer from 1992-1994.
Ashore, Nathman was assigned to the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School
U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School
The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School is the Air Force's very advanced flight training school that trains experimental test pilots, flight test engineers, and flight test navigators to carry out tests and evaluations of new aerospace weapon systems and also other aircraft of the U.S. Air Force...
at Edwards Air Force Base
Edwards Air Force Base
Edwards Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located on the border of Kern County, Los Angeles County, and San Bernardino County, California, in the Antelope Valley. It is southwest of the central business district of North Edwards, California and due east of Rosamond.It is named in...
, graduating with distinction in 1976. He served at Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), and oversaw the advanced tactical training of the school’s naval aviators. From 1982 to 1984, Nathman was the senior naval test pilot flying all project aircraft with the 4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron
4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron
The 4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron was a squadron in the United States Air Force under the command of the Tactical Air Command. The product of Project Constant Peg, the unit was created to train USAF pilots and weapon systems officers, and USN and USMC naval aviators to better fight the...
at Nellis Air Force Base
Nellis Air Force Base
Nellis Air Force Base is a United States Air Force Base, located approximately northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is under the jurisdiction of Air Combat Command .-Overview:...
, Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
. During this time, he flew 61 missions in MiG-21s and 52 missions in MiG-23s as "Bandit #29".
Flag officer
Upon his selection to flag rank in 1994, Nathman served on the NATO staff of Commander, Allied Forces Southern Europe (AF SOUTH), and as Director of Logistics for Commander, NATO Implementation Force (IFOR) during its first out-of-area deployment to BosniaBosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the...
. In 1996, he commanded Carrier Group Seven, NIMITZ Carrier Strike Group and Battle Force FIFTY in the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
. Nathman subsequently served as Director, Air Warfare, on the Chief of Naval Operations staff in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
In August 2000, he took command of Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet and was designated Commander, Naval Air Forces in October 2001. In August 2002, Nathman was assigned as the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations
Chief of Naval Operations
The Chief of Naval Operations is a statutory office held by a four-star admiral in the United States Navy, and is the most senior uniformed officer assigned to serve in the Department of the Navy. The office is a military adviser and deputy to the Secretary of the Navy...
for Warfare Requirements and Programs (N6/N7) at the Pentagon
The Pentagon
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, located in Arlington County, Virginia. As a symbol of the U.S. military, "the Pentagon" is often used metonymically to refer to the Department of Defense rather than the building itself.Designed by the American architect...
.
Nathman served most recently as the 33rd Vice Chief of Naval Operations
Vice Chief of Naval Operations
The Vice Chief of Naval Operations is the second highest ranking officer in the United States Navy. In the event that the Chief of Naval Operations is absent or is unable to perform his duties, the VCNO assumes the duties and responsibilities of the CNO. The VCNO may also perform other duties...
from August 2004 to February 2005. He assumed command of U.S. Fleet Forces Command on February 18, 2005, and subsequently retired.
Awards and decorations
His personal decorations include the Navy Distinguished Service MedalNavy Distinguished Service Medal
The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast...
(three awards), Defense Superior Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal
The Defense Superior Service Medal is a senior United States military decoration of the Department of Defense, awarded to members of the United States armed forces who perform "superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility."...
, Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
(four awards), Bronze Star
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
with Combat V
Valor device
The Valor device is an award of the United States military which is a bronze attachment to certain medals to indicate that it was received for valor...
, Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
The Defense Meritorious Service Medal is the third-highest award bestowed upon members of the United States military by the United States Department of Defense...
, Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (United States)
The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969...
(three awards), Navy Commendation Medal
Commendation Medal
The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star, the Valor device may...
with Combat V (two awards) and the Air Force Achievement Medal.
Navy Distinguished Service MedalNavy Distinguished Service MedalThe Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast...
with three stars
Defense Superior Service MedalDefense Superior Service MedalThe Defense Superior Service Medal is a senior United States military decoration of the Department of Defense, awarded to members of the United States armed forces who perform "superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility."...
Legion of MeritLegion of MeritThe Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
with four stars
Bronze StarBronze Star MedalThe Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
with Valor DeviceValor deviceThe Valor device is an award of the United States military which is a bronze attachment to certain medals to indicate that it was received for valor...
Defense Meritorious Service MedalDefense Meritorious Service MedalThe Defense Meritorious Service Medal is the third-highest award bestowed upon members of the United States military by the United States Department of Defense...
Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service Medal (United States)The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969...
with three stars
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation MedalCommendation MedalThe Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star, the Valor device may...
with Valor Device and one star
Air Force Achievement Medal
Post-military
On 2 Oct 2008, Nathman published a commentary in the Virginian-Pilot praising presidential candidate Barack ObamaBarack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
.