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SLDN PROFILES: Admiral James Winnefeld, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Editor’s note: As we approach repeal of the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law, SLDN is profiling key military and defense leaders, who will be influencing and making key post-repeal decisions. We continue our series with Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral James Winnefeld. 

Admiral James Winnefeld was sworn in as the ninth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs on August 4, 2011, after serving as the fourth commander of U.S. Northern Command and the twenty-first commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) for more than a year. Admiral Winnefeld replaces General James Cartwright in his new command, and is now the second highest ranking officer in the United States Armed Forces. As Vice Chairman, Winnefeld is responsible for presiding over meetings of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the absence of the Chairman, performing other duties that the Chairman prescribes, and has voting rights within the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

A native of Coronado, Colorado, he earned his degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology graduating with honors and earning his commission as an officer through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program. He also served as an instructor at the Navy Fighter Weapons School and graduated with the highest distinction from the U.S. Naval War College off-campus program. Admiral Winnefeld received the Admiral William J. Crow Award as Joint Staff Action Officer of the Year and received the Vice Admiral William W. Behrens, Jr. award as an honor graduate of Navy nuclear power school class.

His initial tours of duty and assignments included serving with two fighter squadrons, serving as the 17th commanding officer of the USS Enterprise (CVN 65), leading her through her 18th deployment, which included combat operations supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Winnefeld also commanded Carrier Strike Group 2, which he led in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Admiral Winnefeld expressed his support for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) throughout the repeal process, saying at his July 21, 2011 confirmation hearing before the House Armed Services Committee: “I support repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy in the manner that the repeal has been crafted.”

He also affirmed that the military is ready for DADT repeal, reiterating that it will not harm unit cohesion.

“We have the policy and regulations needed for implementation, consistent with standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention. I am confident that we are ready now to affect repeal while sustaining military effectiveness, even in our current conflicts,” he said.

Admiral Winnefeld has earned the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, and five Battle Efficiency awards throughout the course of his outstanding tenure.

On behalf of all service members past, present and future, we congratulate Admiral Winnefeld on his new assignment, welcome him to his new post, and thank him for his leadership in helping to end DADT.

09-07-11 By Paul DeMiglio, SLDN Senior Communications Manager |