Guest Speaker's Profile: Admiral Samuel Locklear

Samuel Jones “Sam” Locklear III is a former United States Navy admiral who last served as the commander of the U.S. Pacific Command from March 9, 2012 to May 27, 2015. Prior to that, he served as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe - U.S. Naval Forces Africa and NATO’s Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples. Prior to that, he served as Director, Navy Staff from July 2009 to October 2010. He retired from the Navy on July 1, 2015, after 39 years of service.

His career as a surface warfare officer includes assignments aboard USS William V. Pratt (DDG 44), USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), USS Callaghan (DDG 994), and USS Truxtun (CG 35), culminating in command of USS Leftwich (DD 984). Subsequent command assignments include commander, Destroyer Squadron 2; commander, Nimitz Strike Group; commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet; and commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, and Allied Joint Force Command Naples. Ashore, he served as executive assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations; the 78th commandant of Midshipmen, United States Naval Academy; director, Assessment Division (OPNAV N81); director, Programming Division (OPNAV N80); and, as director, Navy Staff.

His personal decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal with one gold star, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with four gold stars, Bronze Star Medal, and numerous individual, campaign and unit awards. In March 2011, he commanded US Navy forces enforcing the Libyan no-fly zone, with overall command going to General Carter Ham.

He is a 1992 graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the George Washington University.