William K. Lescher
William Kevin Lescher (born 1958) is a four-star admiral in the United States Navy who currently serves as the 41st Vice Chief of Naval Operations. A native of Highland Park, Illinois,[1] he graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1980.[2][3] Trained as a helicopter pilot, Lescher served with HSL-36 and HSL-44 and later commanded HSL-48, HSL-40 and the Atlantic Fleet Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing.[4] He assumed this office and rank on May 29, 2020.[5] Lescher is also "The Old Goat". This award is held by the oldest serving Naval Academy graduate.
William K. Lescher | |
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| Nickname(s) | Bill |
| Born | 1958 (age 61–62) Highland Park, Illinois |
| Allegiance |  |
| Service/ | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1980–present |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held | Vice Chief of Naval Operations Expeditionary Strike Group 5 Atlantic Fleet Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing HSL-40 HSL-48 |
| Battles/wars | Gulf War |
| Awards | Navy Distinguished Service Medal (2) Defense Superior Service Medal (3) Legion of Merit (3) |
Lescher has been recognized as the Association of Naval Aviation's HSL Pilot of the Year, the Naval Helicopter Association’s Regional Pilot of the Year and the Naval Air Warfare Center's Rotary Wing Test Pilot of the Year.
In May 2020, Lescher was nominated by President Donald Trump for promotion to admiral and assignment as the next Vice Chief of Naval Operations.[6] He assumed this office and rank on May 29, 2020.
Awards and decorations
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Naval Aviator insignia |
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Command at Sea insignia |
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Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge |
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal with one gold award star |
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Defense Superior Service Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Legion of Merit with two award stars |
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Meritorious Service Medal with three award stars |
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Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal |
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Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with award star |
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Joint Meritorious Unit Award |
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Navy Unit Commendation |
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Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation with two bronze service stars |
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Navy "E" Ribbon with three Battle E awards |
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Navy Expeditionary Medal |
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National Defense Service Medal with service star |
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Southwest Asia Service Medal with service star |
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Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal |
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Global War on Terrorism Service Medal |
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Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two service stars |
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Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon |
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Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) |
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Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal |
- Lescher graduated with distinction from fixed wing, rotary wing and Naval Test Pilot School training. He has been recognized as the Association of Naval Aviation’s HSL Pilot of the Year, the Naval Helicopter Association’s Regional Pilot of the Year and the Naval Air Warfare Center’s Rotary Wing Test Pilot of the Year. The units in which he has served have earned the Theodore Ellyson award.
References
| Military offices | ||
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| Preceded by Robert P. Burke |
Vice Chief of Naval Operations 2020–present |
Incumbent |