ADM Jerome Johnson, USN (ret.)
Admiral Jerry Johnson has extensive experience in government service, defense related industries, financial services, and National Defense Security Programs. From 2002 to 2004, he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the 385-thousand members of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).
Admiral Johnson currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Smiths Detection Inc., and Smiths Interconnect Inc.; Vice President and Board of Directors for Wartsila Defense, Inc.; the Board of Advisors for the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs; and Board of Advisors for the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation.
A native of Texas, Admiral Johnson attended Texas A & M University before entering the Naval Aviation Cadet Program. Commissioned and designated a Naval Aviator, he served on active duty for almost 38 years. At sea he commanded Attack Squadron Twenty-seven (VA-27), the combat stores ship USS San Jose, the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea, Carrier Group Four, the U.S. Second Fleet, and NATO’s Striking Fleet Atlantic. His final assignment was the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. He was also designated as Navy’s “Gray Eagle,” the longest-serving naval aviator on active duty.
After his military career, Admiral Johnson was selected to serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, a 100-year-old non-profit charitable organization that provides financial, educational, and other assistance to active-duty and retired Sailors, Marines, and their eligible family members. During his service, the Society disbursed over $670 million in interest-free loans, grants, and tuition assistance for naval service families.
Admiral Johnson is a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Ca. and The Defense Intelligence College in Washington, DC. He was awarded a Doctor of Strategic Intelligence from the Defense Intelligence College.
The Admiral and his wife, Joy, reside in Ft Myers, FL. They have three adult children, five grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
