Rear Admiral Robert P. Girrier

Rear Adm. Girrier assumed duties as director for Operations (J3), United States Pacific Command in October 2011.

Girrier entered the U.S. Naval Academy from the State of New York, graduating with merit in 1983.

A surface warfare officer, he most recently commanded Carrier Strike Group Seven, USS Ronald Reagan Strike Group and Carrier Strike Group 11, USS Nimitz Strike Group. In Ronald Reagan Strike Group he conducted a combat deployment in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn, and provided disaster response for Japan during Operation Tomodachi. Prior to these tours, he served as vice commander, Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command, with operational commander duties in the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleets.

In additional sea tours, Girrier commanded Destroyer Squadron 15, forward deployed in Yokosuka, Japan, where the squadron developed tactics, techniques and procedures for anti-submarine warfare and maritime ballistic missile defense while exercising extensively with navies throughout the 7th fleet. He commanded USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the Mediterranean theater, serving as air defense commander for the 6th Fleet. Additionally, Girrier commanded USS Guardian (MCM 5) – a forward deployed Avenger-class mine countermeasure ship operating from Sasebo, Japan, in support of 7th Fleet operations.

Ashore, Girrier has served as an instructor at the Surface Warfare Officer's school in Newport, R.I. In Washington D.C., he has served as a policy planner and representative to NATO bodies on counter proliferation for the Joint Staff (J-5); as the administrative aide to the Secretary of the Navy; the executive assistant to the deputy chief of Naval Operations for Plans, Policy and Operations; and as the deputy director of the Navy Staff. Overseas he served as the executive assistant to commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples.

Girrier earned a Master of Arts in International Affairs from the American University School of International Service; a Master's of Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island; and a Master's in Public Administration as a Moreau Scholar from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, specializing in negotiation and conflict resolution.

His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, and five awards of the Legion of Merit.

He is co-author of the professional naval books, Command at Sea, the Watch Officers Guide and the Division Officer’s Guide.