Rear Admiral Patrick Driscoll

Rear Adm. Driscoll is a native of Homewood, Ill., and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. He entered the Aviation Officer Candidate Program and was commissioned an ensign in January 1979.

Driscoll's initial fleet assignment was with the 1983 Battle "E" winning Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32 Maulers where he completed two Indian Ocean deployments and was selected as the Atlantic Fleet Sea Strike Pilot of the Year. Following transition training in the A-7E Corsair II, Driscoll deployed with the Attack Squadron (VA) 105 Gunslingers to the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean, which included participation in tanker escort operations during Operation Earnest Will.

His next sea assignment was with the Clansmen of VA 46, where he deployed aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) to the Red Sea in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Driscoll then attended the Naval War College, with a follow-on joint assignment with the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency in July 1993.

In 1996, Driscoll reported for a command tour with the Gunslingers of Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 105 embarked aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and participated in Operation Deliberate Guard over Bosnia and Operation Southern Watch in Iraq. Driscoll's next assignment was as commanding officer and flight leader of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (The Blue Angels) for the 1999 and 2000 show seasons.

In April 2001, Driscoll reported to Carrier Air Wing Five based in Atsugi, Japan. During Operation Enduring Freedom, he led the Tactical Air Support strike element aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), which served as an Afloat Forward Staging Base during combat operations in Afghanistan. He deployed again in 2003 and led his air wing in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2008, he served in Baghdad, Iraq, as director of communication and spokesman for Multi-National Force-Iraq (MNF-I). He then served as commander, Carrier Strike Group 10 for work-ups and an eight-month deployment in 2010 in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

Driscoll’s staff assignments include: deputy director, Deep Blue; executive assistant (EA) to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information, Plans and Strategy; and EA to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations and the Chairman’s Joint Strategic Working Group, N3/N5/N7 at Fleet Forces Command. He is currently serving as the deputy commander and chief of staff for U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Personal awards include the Legion of Merit with four gold stars, the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat V, three Bronze Stars and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He is a distinguished graduate of the Naval War College and holds a master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.