NBR Welcomes Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert to Board of Directors

WASHINGTON, D.C. | Today, the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) announced that Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert (U.S. Navy, ret.), who served as the thirtieth Chief of Naval Operations from September 2011 to September 2015, is joining the NBR Board of Directors. Admiral Greenert held the John M. Shalikashvili Chair in National Security Studies (Shali Chair) at NBR from February 2016 to January 2024. As the Shali Chair, he informed debates on critical security issues in the Indo-Pacific through briefings to congressional, military, and Administration officials; meetings with senior-level counterparts in Asia; and research and writing.

“We are delighted to welcome Admiral Greenert to NBR’s Board of Directors. He has been an important voice within NBR for the past eight years as Shali Chair, and we are so glad to have his deep experience and expertise, as well as vision, in his new role as a director,” said John Rindlaub, chairman of NBR’s Board of Directors.

Admiral Greenert came to NBR after a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy that began with his commissioning as an ensign from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1975. His career as a submariner included numerous assignments, culminating in command of USS Honolulu (SSN 718) from March 1991 to July 1993. His Pacific assignments included Commander, Submarine Squadron 11; Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas; Chief of Staff and Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet; and Deputy Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He served as Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command before becoming the 36th Vice Chief of Naval Operations from 2009 to 2011, and thirtieth Chief of Naval Operations from 2011 to 2015.

“It has been a privilege to work closely with Admiral Greenert on our research programs for several years, and a pleasure to have traveled with him for NBR activities across the United States and in Asia.” said Michael Wills, president of NBR. “His understanding of the international security environment will be invaluable in shaping our future research agenda.”

As Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Greenert was a forward-thinking leader who improved America’s ability to operate in an increasingly contested maritime environment. He was the first commander to deploy laser technology afloat and oversee a carrier-landing of an unmanned system. He dramatically improved the deployment and capabilities of U.S. operations technology around the world. Admiral Greenert increased the number of forces in the Asia-Pacific and was also responsible for the doubling of minesweeping and patrol ships in the Arabian Gulf in response to Iranian aggression. He is a recipient of many awards including the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, and Legion of Merit.

“Admiral Greenert has contributed significantly to the development of our work on national security and Asia for almost a decade. I have witnessed the deep respect both U.S. policymakers and our allies and partners have for his insight on strategic thinking at the highest levels, which will continue to be critical in the years to come,” said Alison Szalwinski, NBR’s vice president of research.

Read Admiral Greenert’s full bio here.

Media inquiries: (202) 347-9767 or [email protected].

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The National Bureau of Asian Research, an independent research institution based in Seattle and Washington, D.C., helps decision-makers better understand Asia and craft concrete, actionable policy.