Charles H. Johnston

Rear Admiral (Upper Half) Charles H. Johnston, United States Navy, was appointed Vice Commander of the Naval Air Systems Command, (NAVAIR) at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland in December 2001.

Johnston grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and attended Memphis University School.

Johnston entered the Navy through the Aviation Officer Candidate Program and was commissioned in October 1973. He received a master of science degree in aeronautical systems from the University of West Florida while earning his naval aviator wings. He served in Attack Squadron 15 aboard USS America flying the A-7E Corsair with Adm Mark P. Fitzgerald. He next reported to Attack Squadron 174 as an instructor pilot and weapons training officer.

In 1981 he was accepted as an aerospace engineering duty officer. His subsequent sea duty was in the Air Department, USS Forrestal. Johnston next studied at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, where he received a master's of science degree in aeronautical engineering (avionics). After graduating from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 1986 he served as F/A-18 project director, Ordnance Branch head, and chief test pilot, Systems Engineering Test Directorate at the Naval Air Test Center.

In 1989 he reported to the Naval Plant Representative Office Melbourne, Australia, as the executive officer and later served as commanding officer. From 1992 to 1995 he served in the F/A-18 Program Office, under the program executive officer, Tactical Aircraft Program (PEO TAC), as deputy for production and systems development. He next served as the military director for systems engineering and later as the director of engineering for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division.

In August 1996 he became Program Manager for Conventional Strike Weapons under the PEO TAC. Johnston has flown in excess of 3,000 flight hours in more than 30 models of fixed and rotary wing aircraft. His honors include the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Navy Commendation Medal, a Navy Achievement Medal and nine unit commendation and campaign awards.

Adm. Johnston's wife is Beverly, they have two children. He retired on April 8, 2005 at NAS Patuxent River.

Johnston is now a Vice President at Wyle Laboratories, Inc.