Admiral (Retired) John C. Aquilino

Admiral Aquilino, who recently served as the Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, led military operations across half of the world’s geography within the oldest and most extensive U.S. Combatant Command. In this role, he synchronized the daily activities of more than 380,000 joint forces and fostered global collaboration with allies and partners. Handpicked for top command assignments by two presidential administrations, Admiral Aquilino is esteemed for his exceptional leadership, diplomatic skills, strategic insight, and effective execution.

With over 40 years of public service commanding and leading at every level of a high-stakes and highly complex organization, Admiral Aquilino offers a rare perspective on leadership, national security strategy, international engagement, and geopolitical risk management in a way that will benefit any high-performing organization. He is a team builder who leverages the talents of a diverse workforce to nurture a culture of mission achievement, consistently delivering what’s best for the organization.

Admiral Aquilino commanded U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, spanning in geographic scope from California to the India-Pakistan border and from the Arctic Sea to Antarctica, during a critical juncture in history. As the Commander, he led the implementation of America’s Integrated Deterrence approach, in accordance with the National Defense Strategy, against the most challenging adversary to the global economic and military order since World War II. Admiral Aquilino also served in a variety of roles globally throughout his naval career. As Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, he was responsible for both the utilization and readiness generation of America’s largest naval force, overseeing an annual budget approaching 20 billion dollars. As a fighter pilot, he served in every geographic combatant command and participated in nearly every major military operation during his time in uniform, including Operation Deliberate Force, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. In total, he logged over 5,000 total mishap free flight hours with more than 120 combat missions and 1,250 carrier arrested landings. He retired from the military as a four-star admiral in July 2024. For his exemplary service, Admiral Aquilino has received numerous military awards, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, three Navy Distinguished Service Medals, the Defense Superior Service Medal, five Legions of Merit, and two Bronze Stars. Additionally, he has been decorated by several governments, including Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, France, the Philippines, Singapore, and Bahrain.

Born and raised in New York, Admiral Aquilino has lived in various states and countries throughout his career, including Florida, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C., California, Bahrain, and Hawaii. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the Joint Forces Staff College. He also graduated from the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and completed Harvard Kennedy School’s Executive Education Program in National and International Security.