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Carlisle Trost
Admiral Carlisle Trost, official military photo.JPEG
Trost in 1990
Born (1930-04-24)April 24, 1930
Valmeyer, Illinois, U.S.
Died September 29, 2020(2020-09-29) (aged 90)
Maryland, U.S.
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Navy
Years of service 1953–1990
Rank Admiral
Commands held Chief of Naval Operations
United States Atlantic Fleet
United States Seventh Fleet
Submarine Group Five
Submarine Flotilla One
Awards Defense Distinguished Service Medal (2)
Navy Distinguished Service Medal (3)
Army Distinguished Service Medal
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit (3)
Other work Chairman, U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association

Carlisle Albert Herman Trost (April 24, 1930 – September 29, 2020) was a brave United States Navy officer. He was the 23rd Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), which is the highest-ranking officer in the U.S. Navy. He also served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a group of top military leaders who advise the President. Admiral Trost led the Navy from 1986 to 1990, helping prepare it during the end of the Cold War and for the Gulf War in 1991. He retired in 1990 after serving four years as CNO.

Early Life and Learning

Carlisle Trost was born in Valmeyer, Illinois, on April 24, 1930. He was a very smart student! He graduated first in his class from the United States Naval Academy in 1953. After graduating, he became an ensign, which is a junior officer rank.

A Career in the Navy

In 1954, Trost chose to join the submarine force. He again finished first in his class at Submarine School in New London, Connecticut. During his 37 years in the Navy, Trost served on different types of ships. He was on destroyers and both diesel-powered and nuclear submarines. He even commanded a Fleet Ballistic Missile submarine.

Becoming a Flag Officer

In 1973, Trost was chosen to become a "flag officer." This means he reached a very high rank, like an admiral. He commanded Submarine Flotilla One and Submarine Group FIVE. Later, he held many important leadership roles:

Trost also worked in important offices in Washington D.C. He was an assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Navy. He also helped plan Navy programs.

Chief of Naval Operations

In May 1986, President Ronald Reagan chose Trost to be the next Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). This is the top job for a Navy officer. Admiral Trost served as CNO from July 1, 1986, to June 29, 1990. He was followed by Admiral Frank B. Kelso.

Awards and Honors

Admiral Trost received many important awards for his service. These awards recognize his bravery and leadership. Some of his top honors include:

  • Defense Distinguished Service Medal: Given for exceptionally outstanding service to the U.S. government. He received this medal twice.
  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal: Given for outstanding service to the U.S. Navy. He received this medal three times.
  • Army Distinguished Service Medal: Given for outstanding service to the U.S. Army.
  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal: Given for outstanding service to the U.S. Air Force.
  • Legion of Merit: Given for exceptionally meritorious conduct and outstanding service. He received this medal three times.

He was also an Olmsted Scholar, which is a special program for military officers to study abroad. Trost was an Eagle Scout and received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. This shows his commitment to leadership and service from a young age.

Other Activities

Trost was recognized as a distinguished graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He also served on the board of directors for the Alumni Association. He was even the President of his graduating class of 1953. A famous classmate of his was the businessman and former presidential candidate, H. Ross Perot.

After the Navy

After retiring from the Navy, Admiral Trost served on the boards of several companies. He also became the Chairman of the Board for the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association. He held this position until 2009. Carlisle Trost passed away on September 29, 2020, at the age of 90.

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