United States Navy Admiral. Born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, Boorda enlisted into the United States Navy in 1956, rising to the rank of Petty Officer First Class. He was commissioned an Ensign in 1962, after graduating from Officer Candidate School. In his lengthy career, he served aboard the USS Porterfield (DD 682), USS John R. Craig (DD 885), USS Parrot (MSC 197), USS Brooke (DEG 1), USS Farragut (DDG 37), and USS Saratoga (CV 60). He commanded the USS Parrot and USS Farragut. He also earned a BA degree at the University of Rhode Island. From 1977 to 1981, he served as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. From 1981 to 1983, he commanded Destroyer Squadron 22, and later commanded Cruiser-Destroyer Group 8. In 1987, he served as Commander, Battle Force 6th Fleet. Later assignments included Chief of Naval Personnel, CINC US Naval Forces Europe, and CINC US Naval Forces Southern Europe. He became the 25th Chief of Naval Operations on April 23, 1994, a position he held until his death. His awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal (3 awards), the Legion of Merit (3 awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), and a number of campaign medals.
United States Navy Admiral. Born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, Boorda enlisted into the United States Navy in 1956, rising to the rank of Petty Officer First Class. He was commissioned an Ensign in 1962, after graduating from Officer Candidate School. In his lengthy career, he served aboard the USS Porterfield (DD 682), USS John R. Craig (DD 885), USS Parrot (MSC 197), USS Brooke (DEG 1), USS Farragut (DDG 37), and USS Saratoga (CV 60). He commanded the USS Parrot and USS Farragut. He also earned a BA degree at the University of Rhode Island. From 1977 to 1981, he served as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. From 1981 to 1983, he commanded Destroyer Squadron 22, and later commanded Cruiser-Destroyer Group 8. In 1987, he served as Commander, Battle Force 6th Fleet. Later assignments included Chief of Naval Personnel, CINC US Naval Forces Europe, and CINC US Naval Forces Southern Europe. He became the 25th Chief of Naval Operations on April 23, 1994, a position he held until his death. His awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal (3 awards), the Legion of Merit (3 awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), and a number of campaign medals.
Bio by: Kit and Morgan Benson
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