Admiral Johnson, the 26th Chief of Naval Operations, was born in Great Falls, Montana, in 1946, and raised in West Salem, Wisconsin. A 1968 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, upon completion of flight training, he was designated a Naval Aviator in 1969. His first sea duty tour was on board the USS Oriskany (CVA-34), where he made two combat cruises flying the F-8J Crusader with VF-191. He flew 150 combat missions during the Vietnam War. Subsequent squadron and sea duty tours after transitioning to the F-14 Tomcat included VF-142; VF-101; Commanding Officer of VF-84, Commander, Carrier Air Wing One; Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations for Commander, Sixth Fleet; and Commander, Carrier Air Wing One, as Senior Air Wing Commander. His shore duty assignments included Aviation Junior Officer Detailer; Armed Forces Staff College; Head, Aviation Junior Officer Assignment Branch; and the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group. Admiral Johnson's first Flag Officer assignment was as Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel for Distribution in the Bureau of Naval Personnel. In October 1992, he reported as Commander, Carrier Group Eight/Commander, USS Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group. In July 1994, he was assigned as Commander, Second Fleet/Commander, Striking Fleet Atlantic/Commander, Joint Task Force 120. In March 1996, Admiral Johnson reported for duty as the 28th Vice Chief of Naval Operations. He was appointed the 26th Chief of Naval Operations in August 1996, after the death of Admiral Jeremy M. Boorda, and served until 21 July 2000.