By Dawn Pauli, contributing writer

Oakland University alumnus Justin McCarthy, SECS ’69, recently was appointed vice admiral in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations by President George W. Bush.

McCarthy will be moving to his new assignment in the Pentagon this month. He will be the principal staff assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations for logistics and fleet readiness, responsible for ensuring the resources needed to maintain the readiness of U.S. fleets are properly identified and supported. 

“These requirements include the full range of logistics capabilities from maintenance of ships and aircraft, to spare parts, fuel, transportation and ordnance,” McCarthy said. ”I will also be responsible for leading the effort to introduce improved business practices throughout our Navy. This will drive down our cost of operations and allow us to reinvest those funds in building the 21st century Navy required for our nation's national security.”

McCarthy became commander, Naval Supply Systems Command and 42nd Chief of Supply Corps in July 2001. Prior to this tour, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Fleet Supply and Ordnance, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

A native of Auburn Hills, Mich., McCarthy, who has a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from OU, earned his commission in October 1969 through Officer Candidate School, Newport, R.I. He is a distinguished graduate of both the Naval Postgraduate School and the Naval War College.

“The engineering foundation I received at Oakland has been invaluable in my career as a Naval officer,” McCarthy said. “As a Supply Corps officer, one of our primary responsibilities is to ensure proper support of our Navy's organic industrial capabilities as well as in contracting for commercial sector support in the form of ship and aircraft repair, overhaul and parts/component procurement.

“It also continues to provide me great credibility with the customers I support in both our operational and maintenance communities. I find myself constantly relying on the discipline, organizational skills and technical foundation I received as an undergraduate engineer in virtually all my assignments.”

McCarthy is looking forward to his new assignment and is honored to be named vice admiral.

“It’s an opportunity to fill a position never before filled by a Supply Corps officer, be a part of our Navy's senior leadership at this unique time in its history and redefine our Navy's logistics support practices,” he said. “The leadership of Secretary of Defense Don Rumsfield, Secretary of the Navy Gordon England and Chief of Naval Operations Vern Clark are making this transformation possible. It's exciting to be a part of their team and to help deliver the 21st century Navy for our nation.”