About Bill Lescher
Bill Lescher, the Navy's Vice Chief of Operations, has forged a reputation for courage, honor, service, and selflessness. Admiral Lescher has a long and storied history of service to his country, his fellow service members, and his passions. He is well-educated, well-trained, and quite capable of commanding attention. Although he is originally from Highland Park, Illinois, his Navy experience has allowed him to travel and gain a better understanding of the world and each individual's role in bringing about positive change.
Within the Navy, his efforts influenced the development of leadership programs that challenged each individual to achieve exceptional performance through the consistent application of problem-solving and proven leadership qualities. His extensive academic background has provided him with both the practical and theoretical knowledge required to see transformation through at any stage of the process and in any environment.
Lescher's Academic Background
William Lescher's academic career began with degrees in systems and aeronautical engineering from the Naval Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School. He also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School. This background has enabled him to excel in his military career, providing him with the skill set required to advance through the ranks. He graduated with honors from rotary wing, fixed wing, and Naval Test Pilot School, allowing him to fly helicopters.
Admiral Lescher's Military Career
Bill Lescher served on the USS O'Bannon (DD 987) in the Middle East with the Lamplighters and Swampfoxes of HSL-36 and 44 during his first operational tours. He also served on the USS Capodanno (FF 1093), USS Clard (FFG 11), and USS Elrod (FFG 55). He worked as an engineering test pilot at the Naval Air Warfare Center when he was on land. He led the SH-60B Seahawk developmental test team in the first guided missile launch from a Navy helicopter.
Leadership Positions
Admiral Lescher was given command of HSL-40's Airwolves, HSL-48's Vipers, and the Atlantic Fleet's Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing. He was also the executive officer of Mine Countermeasures Command and the USS Inchon Control Ship (MCS 12). He was given command of Task Forces 51/59 and Expeditionary Strike Group 5 in Bahrain while serving as a flag officer. He oversaw several Marine Expeditionary Units and Amphibious Ready Groups in this capacity. He also led the way in the Middle East with the forward staging base USS Ponce (AFSB (I)-15) as part of counter-terrorism and contingency response missions.
Lescher has been selected for several leadership roles after earning the respect of his military peers and those who are grateful for his service to his country. These are some examples:
Deputy Director of the Joint Staff for Resources and Acquisition Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Budget Director of Fiscal Management of the United States Navy
Capabilities and Resources Integration Deputy Chief of Naval Operations in the United States Navy
William Lescher's Vice Chief of Naval Operations Awards and Recognition
Lescher has received numerous awards and accolades for his distinguished military career and service. These consist of:
The Navy released the Get Real, Get Better structure as a result of his efforts to help the Navy transition into a new era of military presence. His insight demanded that all those in positions of leadership or service evaluate their performance both individually and as a collective military unit. Admiral Lescher led efforts to shift mindsets toward self-correction through best practices and problem-solving strategies at the most fundamental levels. He also advocated holding individuals accountable at each level of operation for the organization's success or failure. His leadership inspired the Navy to be a model of world-class performance.
Lescher, as Vice Chief of Naval Operations, has had to make difficult decisions in order to ensure transparency and accountability. The Navy investigated a fuel release at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, in April 2022. This leak occurred only four months after another leak at the same facility contaminated the drinking water used by thousands of military families. He was also present when the USS Bonhomme Richard, an amphibious assault ship, was destroyed by fire outside of San Diego.
Bill Lescher's military career has been built on strong character and work ethic, and his leadership style expects the same from his peers and those who serve under him. Admiral Lescher embraces the title "The Old Goat" and strives to live up to its significance as the longest-serving current Naval Academy graduate.
Within the Navy, his efforts influenced the development of leadership programs that challenged each individual to achieve exceptional performance through the consistent application of problem-solving and proven leadership qualities. His extensive academic background has provided him with both the practical and theoretical knowledge required to see transformation through at any stage of the process and in any environment.
Lescher's Academic Background
William Lescher's academic career began with degrees in systems and aeronautical engineering from the Naval Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School. He also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School. This background has enabled him to excel in his military career, providing him with the skill set required to advance through the ranks. He graduated with honors from rotary wing, fixed wing, and Naval Test Pilot School, allowing him to fly helicopters.
Admiral Lescher's Military Career
Bill Lescher served on the USS O'Bannon (DD 987) in the Middle East with the Lamplighters and Swampfoxes of HSL-36 and 44 during his first operational tours. He also served on the USS Capodanno (FF 1093), USS Clard (FFG 11), and USS Elrod (FFG 55). He worked as an engineering test pilot at the Naval Air Warfare Center when he was on land. He led the SH-60B Seahawk developmental test team in the first guided missile launch from a Navy helicopter.
Leadership Positions
Admiral Lescher was given command of HSL-40's Airwolves, HSL-48's Vipers, and the Atlantic Fleet's Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing. He was also the executive officer of Mine Countermeasures Command and the USS Inchon Control Ship (MCS 12). He was given command of Task Forces 51/59 and Expeditionary Strike Group 5 in Bahrain while serving as a flag officer. He oversaw several Marine Expeditionary Units and Amphibious Ready Groups in this capacity. He also led the way in the Middle East with the forward staging base USS Ponce (AFSB (I)-15) as part of counter-terrorism and contingency response missions.
Lescher has been selected for several leadership roles after earning the respect of his military peers and those who are grateful for his service to his country. These are some examples:
Deputy Director of the Joint Staff for Resources and Acquisition Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Budget Director of Fiscal Management of the United States Navy
Capabilities and Resources Integration Deputy Chief of Naval Operations in the United States Navy
William Lescher's Vice Chief of Naval Operations Awards and Recognition
Lescher has received numerous awards and accolades for his distinguished military career and service. These consist of:
- HSL Pilot of the Year, according to the Association of Naval Aviation
- Regional Pilot of the Year for the Naval Helicopter Association
- Rotary Wing Test Pilot of the Year at the Naval Air Warfare Center
- One gold award star on the Navy Distinguished Service Medal.
- Meritorious Service Medal with three award stars
- Two bronze oak leaf clusters adorn the Defense Superior Service Medal.
- Admiral Lescher's Professional Achievements in the Global War on Terrorism
The Navy released the Get Real, Get Better structure as a result of his efforts to help the Navy transition into a new era of military presence. His insight demanded that all those in positions of leadership or service evaluate their performance both individually and as a collective military unit. Admiral Lescher led efforts to shift mindsets toward self-correction through best practices and problem-solving strategies at the most fundamental levels. He also advocated holding individuals accountable at each level of operation for the organization's success or failure. His leadership inspired the Navy to be a model of world-class performance.
Lescher, as Vice Chief of Naval Operations, has had to make difficult decisions in order to ensure transparency and accountability. The Navy investigated a fuel release at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, in April 2022. This leak occurred only four months after another leak at the same facility contaminated the drinking water used by thousands of military families. He was also present when the USS Bonhomme Richard, an amphibious assault ship, was destroyed by fire outside of San Diego.
Bill Lescher's military career has been built on strong character and work ethic, and his leadership style expects the same from his peers and those who serve under him. Admiral Lescher embraces the title "The Old Goat" and strives to live up to its significance as the longest-serving current Naval Academy graduate.
