Navy Flag Officer Biography

Vice Admiral John W. Miller

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/United States 5th Fleet/Combined Maritime Forces

Vice Admiral John W. Miller


Vice Adm. Miller was commissioned an ensign upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 1979.

He was designated a naval flight officer in June 1980 and received orders to Fighter Attack Squadron (VF) 101 for replacement training in the F-14A Tomcat.

Miller has spent a majority of his operational career deploying to and operating in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Sea tours include VF 31 as a division officer, VF-84 as maintenance officer, and command of VF-142, VF-101,� USS Dubuque (LPD 8),� USS Juneau (LPD 10),� USS Constellation (CV 64),� USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67), and Carrier Strike Group 11.

His shore tours include VF-101 as an instructor; the United States Naval Academy as leadership section head; White House Fellowship as special assistant to the administrator of NASA; and, aviation commander assignment officer at the Bureau of Naval Personnel. After promotion to rear admiral, Miller spent a considerable amount of time focusing on the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility serving as deputy commander to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/United States 5th Fleet and deputy director, Strategy, Plans, and Policy (J5); and, chief of staff, U.S. Central Command.

Miller is a distinguished graduate of the Naval War College and holds a master’s degree in International Relations from Salve Regina University.

Miller has accumulated more than 3,500 flight hours and 1,000 carrier-arrested landings in the F-14 Tomcat flying off of John F. Kennedy,� USS Nimitz (CVN 68),� USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71),� USS George Washington (CVN 73),� USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), and Constellation.

Miller left command of the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center in October 2011 to serve as the special assistant to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans, and Strategy (N3/N5) in Washington D.C., before reporting as commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/United States 5th Fleet/Combined Maritime Forces.

His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal (2), Legion of Merit (5), Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Strike Flight Air Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and numerous unit and campaign awards.


Updated: 22 May 2012