POPE LECTURE SERIES | ANNUAL SPEAKERS
Sixth Annual Everett P. Pope Lecture, October 30, 2023
Admiral Gregory G. Johnson (Ret.), Speaker
Admiral Gregory G. “Grog” Johnson (USN-Ret.) is a retired United States Navy Admiral and the former commander of U.S. Naval Forces, Europe and Allied Forces, Southern Europe. After graduating from the University of Maine, Admiral Johnson attended Aviation Officer Candidate School, was commissioned in 1969, and designated a Naval Aviator in 1970.
Over a 36-year career, Admiral Johnson commanded at every level — Squadron, Air Wing, Battle Group, Fleet, and Force. From 1970-1995, he held sea duty assignments, making multiple deployments in USS Independence, USS Nimitz, USS Forrestal, USS Eisenhower, and USS Theodore Roosevelt. He served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff as the Head of the European and Central Command Branch of the Joint Operations Division (JOD) and subsequently as Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin L. Powell.
As a Flag Officer, Admiral Johnson served as Commander, Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group: Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, William S. Cohen; Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet; and Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe/Allied Forces, Southern Europe. Admiral Johnson graduated from the Naval War College Command and Staff Course with Highest Distinction. Upon his retirement in December 2004, Admiral Johnson started Snow Ridge Associates, a strategic advice and consulting firm. He has served on numerous civic, public, and private boards and resides in Harpswell, Maine with his wife, Ms. Carol Hancock.
Admiral Johnson is a member of the Everett P. Pope Lecture Sponsoring Committee and a long time Friend of the Bowdoin Marine Corps Society.