About me - Bill Lescher

Bill Lescher, the Navy's Vice Chief of Operations, has earned a reputation for daring, honor, dedication, and sacrifice. Admiral Lescher has a long and storied history of dedication to his nation, his fellow military members, and his interests. He is well-educated, well-trained, and very capable of commanding attention. His time in the Navy has allowed him to travel and get a greater awareness of the world and each person's role in bringing about change, despite the fact that he is originally from Highland Park, Illinois.Although he is originally from Highland Park, Illinois, his Navy experience has allowed him to travel and get a deeper awareness of the world and each individual's role in bringing about positive change.Within the Navy, his efforts inspired the establishment of leadership programs that challenged each employee to attain outstanding performance via the continual application of problem-solving and demonstrated leadership traits. His extensive academic background has provided him with both the practical and theoretical expertise required to see change through at every stage of the process and in any context.

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 flourish 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 missions. He also served on the USS Capodanno (FF 1093) and the USS Clard (FFG 11). ( FFG 55). He worked as an engineering test pilot at the Naval Air Warfare Center, where he led the SH-60B Seahawk developmental test crew in the first guided missile launch from a Navy helicopter.

Leadership Positions

Admiral Lescher assumed command of the Airwolves of HSL-40, the Vipers of HSL Squadron-48, and the Atlantic Fleet Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing. He was also an executive officer for Mine Countermeasures Command and the USS Inchon (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 multiple Marine Expeditionary Units and Amphibious Ready Groups in this capacity. He also led the way in the Middle East aboard the advance staging base USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) as part of counter-terrorism and contingency response missions.

Lescher has been picked for many leadership posts after earning the respect of his military peers and people who are grateful for his service to their nation. These are some examples:

Joint Staff Deputy Director for Resources and Acquisition
Budget Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy
The United States Navy's Director of Fiscal Management
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Capabilities and Resources Integration in the United States Navy
Vice Admiral for Naval Operations
William Lescher has received several awards and recognition.

Lescher has garnered several decorations and accolades for his distinguished military career and service. These are some examples:

HSL Pilot of the Year, Association of Naval Aviation
Regional Pilot of the Year, Naval Helicopter Association
Rotary Wing Test Pilot of the Year at the Naval Air Warfare Center
One gold medal star on the Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Medal of Meritorious Service with three award stars
Two bronze oak leaf clusters on the Defense Superior Service Medal
Medal for Service in the Global War against Terrorism

Admiral Lescher's Professional Achievements

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 for making employees accountable at each level of operation for the organization's success or failure. His leadership inspired the Navy to achieve 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 has also dealt with the incident involving the USS Bonhomme Richard, in which a fire destroyed an amphibious assault ship 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 of "The Old Goat" and strives to live up to its significance as the longest serving current Naval Academy Graduate.