<p>[United States Merchant Marine] ACADEMY ALUMNUS SELECTED FOR REAR ADMIRAL</p>
<p>May 5, 2006</p>
<p>On May 4th, Secretary of Defense, Donald H. Rumsfeld announced that U.S. Navy Captain, Philip H. Greene, Class of 1978, has been nominated for appointment to the rank of Rear Admiral (lower half). Greene is currently serving as the Chief of Staff to the Commander, Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific, San Diego, CA. He went on active duty immediately upon graduation from the Academy pursuing a Surface Warfare career path. After tours aboard two guided missile cruisers, Naval Post Graduate School and Department Head School, he assumed commands of the USS Taurus (PHM-3) and USS Fletcher (DD-992). During this period he also attended the National War College and served in the Office of Legislative Affairs for the Secretary of the Navy. He was assigned to the U.S. Naval Academy as the Head of the Navigation Department and Executive Assistant to the Superintendent. After a joint staff assignment he commanded Destroyer Squadron 31 in the Persian Gulf during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for his performance. He joins two other Kings Pointers currently holding flag rank in the Navy, Rear Admiral (lower half) Mark Buzby 79 and Vice Admiral Kevin Cosgriff 71. This is the first time in Academy history that it has had three flag officers on active duty in the U.S. Navy.</p>