Maine Maritime Academy

Admiral Gregory G. Johnson
Westmanland, Maine

Admiral Gregory G. Johnson grew up in Westmanland, Maine where he attended local schools graduating from Caribou High School. He attended the University of Maine and graduated in 1968 with a BA in Political Science. He entered the United Sates Navy in October 1968 through the Aviation Officer Candidate Program (AOCS). He was commissioned an Ensign in February 1969, entered flight training, was designated a Naval Aviator in May 1970, and began what would be a 36-year career in the Navy.

The first two thirds of his career were spent in various tactical assignments deploying in USS Independence, USS Nimitz, USS Forrestal, and USS Eisenhower. During that period, he amassed 1100 carrier landings and 5000 flight hours in tactical jets. He commanded a squadron and carrier air wing. These assignments were interspersed with staff assignments ashore including serving as Executive Assistant to the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin L. Powell. He was selected for Flag Rank in 1994. During the subsequent 12 years he commanded a Carrier Battle Group, the USS Sixth Fleet, and U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa while also “dual-hatted” as a NATO’s Commander Allied Forces Southern Europe. These assignments were interspersed with senior staff assignments ashore including a tour as Military Assistant to Secretary of Defense, The Honorable William S. Cohen. He retired in December 2004.

Admiral Johnson graduated from the Naval War College in 1975 with High Honors. In 2004, he was selected to receive the Naval War College’s Distinguished Graduate Award. In 2009 he received an Honorary Doctor of Human Letters from his Alma Mater, the University of Maine.

Upon retiring he founded Snow Ridge Associates providing strategic advice and counsel. He served on public company boards and is active in public policy, civic, community, and higher education activities, He resides in Harpswell, Maine with his wife, Ms. Carol Hancock.