Admiral Gordon Holder

Vice Admiral Holder is a native of Camden, N.J., and a 1 graduate of Florida State University. He received his commission upon completion of Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI, in October 1968

Vice Admiral Holder’s sea duty includes USS William C. Lawe (DD 763) as First Lieutenant and Combat Information Center Officer, USS Brumby (DE 1044) as Operations Officer, USS Boulder (LST 1190) as Chief Engineer, and USS Hermitage (LSD 34) as Executive Officer. His first command at sea was USS Inflict (MSO 456) in 1980, with subsequent commanding officer afloat tours in USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) and USS Austin (LPD 4). Afloat staff tours were with Commander Seventh Fleet/Commander Naval Forces, U.S. Central Command as Fleet Exercises and Amphibious Warfare Officer, and with Amphibious Group Two as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans.

Shore tours include Aide to the Commandant Sixth Naval District/Commander Naval Base Charleston, Company Officer and Special Assistant to the Commandant, U.S. Nay Academy, and Assistant Surface Commander Assignments Officer, Naval Military Personnel Command. In 1980, Vice Admiral Holder graduated with distinction from the Air Command and Staff College at Air University, Montgomery Ala. While there, he earned a Master of Science Degree from Troy State University. Vice Admiral Holder was selected to promotion to admiral in December 1993. His first assignment as a flag officer was as Commander Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific/Com-mander Naval Base Pearl Harbor. In November 1996, he became the third Commander Naval Doctrine Command where he remained until he assume command of Amphibious Group Two in mid-1997. He became Commander, Military Sealift Command in February 1999. Vice Admiral Holder was promoted to his current grade in March 2000 while serving as Commander, Military Sealift Command.

Vice Admiral Holder’s decorations include the Legion of Merit (four awards), Bronze Star, Meritorious Service M al (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (two awards) and various service and campaign awards.

For more information on Military Sealift Command see www.msc.navy.mil