Security in the Asia-Pacific Region

APP Member organization, Asia Society Washington Center presents

Maintaining Security and Stability
in the Asia-Pacific Region

A Conversation with

Admiral Robert Willard

Commander, U.S. Pacific Command

Thursday, February 17, 2011

12:15 pm to 2:00 pm

Admiral Willard will address strategic challenges and opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region and the critical role the U.S. military plays in maintaining regional security. With over 27 years of experience in the Asia-Pacific and more than a year overseeing the largest combatant command in the world, ADM Willard possess unique insights regarding this important Area of Responsibility (AOR), a region that is home to 36 nations and stretches from the west coast of the United States to the western border of Ind

As PACOM Commander, his perspective is informed by significant interaction across the AOR with leadership at the highest levels of government and extensive command focus on several strategic areas of significance that include Allies and Partners, as well as China, India, North Korea, and Transnational Threats.

Admiral Robert F. Willard is a Los Angeles native and a 1973 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He has a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and is an MIT Seminar XXI alumnus. An F-14 aviator, Willard served in a variety of west coast fighter squadrons; VF-24, VF-124, VF-2, and VF-51 aboard the aircraft carriers USS Constellation, USS Ranger, USS Kitty Hawk and USS Carl Vinson. He later commanded the "Screaming Eagles" of Fighter Squadron 51.

Following nuclear-power training, Willard served as Executive Officer of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), commanded the amphibious flagship USS Tripoli (LPH 10) in the Persian Gulf during “Operation Vigilant Warrior” for which Tripoli received a Navy Unit Commendation and commanded the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

As a Flag Officer, Willard twice served on the Joint Staff, was Deputy and Chief of Staff for U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, commanded Carrier Group Five aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and commanded the U.S. Seventh Fleet in Yokosuka, Japan. In March 2005, Willard became the 34th Vice Chief of Naval Operations; in May 2007, he assumed command of the U.S. Pacific Fleet; and on October 19, 2009, he became the Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.

Admiral Willard’s decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit and various other awards.

Location

The St. Regis

923 16th and K Streets, NW

Washington, DC

Details

Asia Society Members: $60

Asia Society Non-Members: $75

Reservations, please contact

Ms. Pickard, (202) 414-2806