Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert

Admiral Jonathan W. 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. Prior to joining NBR, he served as the thirtieth chief of naval operations from 2011 to 2015.

Admiral Greenert came to NBR after a distinguished 40-year career in the U.S. Navy. A 1975 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy (BS, Ocean Engineering), he completed studies in nuclear engineering for service as a submarine officer. His submarine career included numerous operational assignments, culminating in command of the USS Honolulu. His Asia-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 also served as commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, before becoming the 36th vice chief of naval operations from 2009 to 2011.

Admiral Greenert is a recipient of various personal and campaign awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal (six awards), Defense Superior Service Medal, and Legion of Merit (four awards). In 1992, he received the Vice Admiral Stockdale Award for inspirational leadership. He considers it his greatest reward to have served with and led the hundreds of thousands of sailors and civilians who volunteer to serve and protect the United States.