Samuel J. Locklear

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Vice Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, III is the Commander, United States Third Fleet of the US Navy as of 2007. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy Class of 1977, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Operations Analysis.

Following commissioning, he served aboard USS William V. Pratt as Main Propulsion Assistant and Missile Fire Control Officer. He was then selected for training and service in the Navy Nuclear Propulsion program, and served as Electrical Principal Assistant in USS Carl Vinson. Graduating with "Top Gun" honors from the Surface Warfare Department Head School, he served as Operations Officer and Engineering Officer in USS Callaghan, and as Executive Officer in USS Truxtun. Subsequently, he commanded USS Leftwich and served as Commander, Destroyer Squadron 2 deploying with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Battle Group. In October 2002, he assumed command of Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5 and Nimitz Strike Group deploying to the Persian Gulf in 2003 in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. In May 2007, he became the Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet.

Ashore, Vice Adm. Locklear served as a Company Officer in the Office of the Commandant, United States Naval Academy and later as the 78th Commandant of Midshipmen. In Washington, D.C., he served as Chief of the Regional Engagement and Presence Joint Warfare Capabilities Assessment Branch in the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as Executive Assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, and as Deputy Director for Requirements in the Assessment Division (N81D). In February 2004, he returned to the OPNAV Staff as Deputy Director for Surface Warfare (N76B), and in October 2004, he became the Director of the Assessment Division (N81). In October 2005 he became the Director of the Programming Division (N80).

Vice Adm. Locklear is a 1992 graduate of the National Defense Industrial College of the Armed Forces, holds a master's in Public Administration from the George Washington University, and attended the Senior Officials in National Security course at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University.

His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with three gold stars, Bronze Star, Navy Meritorious Service Medal with three gold stars, Navy Commendation Medal with gold star, Navy Achievement Medal with gold star, and numerous unit and campaign awards.