Hansford T. Johnson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hansford Tillman Johnson
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| Acting United States Secretary of the Navy | |
| In office February 7, 2003 – September 30, 2003 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Susan Livingstone |
| Succeeded by | Gordon R. England |
| 3rd United States Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Environment | |
| In office August 7, 2001 – March 1, 2005 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Duncan Holaday (acting) |
| Succeeded by | B. J. Penn |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 3, 1936 Aiken, South Carolina |
| Education | |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1959–1992 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands | Air Mobility Command United States Transportation Command 22nd Bombardment Wing |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War Gulf War |
| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal (2) Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit (3) Distinguished Flying Cross (3) |
Hansford Tillman (HT) Johnson was born on January 3, 1936. He is a retired four-star general from the United States Air Force. He once served as the Acting United States Secretary of the Navy, which means he helped lead both the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps under President George W. Bush. He is the only Air Force officer to have ever held that important job. Before this, he was an Assistant Secretary for the Navy, focusing on buildings and the environment. Today, he works at a place called the Institute for Defense Analyses.
Contents
Early Life and Air Force Career
Hansford Johnson was born in Aiken, South Carolina, on January 3, 1936. He finished high school in 1953. He then went to Clemson College. In 1959, he graduated from the United States Air Force Academy. He was the top student in thermodynamics and aerodynamics.
Johnson continued his education, earning a master's degree in aeronautics from Stanford University in 1967. He also received a master's degree in business from the University of Colorado in 1970. He attended several other important military schools. Johnson was the first person to graduate from the Air Force Academy and become a general.
Becoming a Pilot and Early Missions
After graduating from the Air Force Academy, Johnson married Linda Whittle. In 1960, he earned his pilot wings after flight training. His first job was flying C-130 Hercules transport planes. He flew these planes across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and West Asia.
Serving in Vietnam
After finishing graduate school, Johnson volunteered to serve in Vietnam. In 1967, he flew as a forward air controller. This meant he directed air strikes against enemy targets. During his time there, he flew 423 combat missions. Many of these were over dangerous areas.
After Vietnam, he taught aeronautics at the Air Force Academy. He later commanded the 22d Bombardment Wing in California. He also worked at the headquarters of the Strategic Air Command (SAC).
Leading Important Commands
From 1982 to 1985, Johnson helped manage the Air Force's large budget. In 1985, he led Strategic Air Command operations. He directed refueling and reconnaissance forces during the bombing of Libya. After this, he became a vice commander for the Pacific Air Forces.
In 1987, he became a deputy commander for United States Central Command (USCENTCOM). He served during Operation Earnest Will. This operation involved protecting Kuwaiti oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. Later, Johnson worked for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Johnson finished his military career as the head of the United States Transportation Command. He was also the last commander of the Military Airlift Command and the first commander of the Air Mobility Command. Under his leadership, military forces moved troops and supplies for major operations. These included Operation Just Cause and the Gulf War. The movement of supplies to the Persian Gulf was one of the largest in American military history. Johnson retired from active duty on August 31, 1992.
Awards and Achievements
Johnson is a highly skilled Command Pilot. He has flown more than 7,800 hours, with over 1,000 hours in combat. He is also a qualified navigator and parachutist.
He received many awards for his bravery and service. These include:
- Defense Distinguished Service Medal (twice)
- Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
- Silver Star
- Legion of Merit (three times)
- Distinguished Flying Cross (three times)
- Defense Meritorious Service Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Air Medal (23 times)
- Air Force Presidential Unit Citation
- Navy Presidential Unit Citation
- Joint Meritorious Unit Award
- Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
- Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
- Combat Readiness Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Humanitarian Service Medal
- Air Force Overseas Short Tour Service Ribbon
- Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon
- Air Force Longevity Service Award
- Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
- Air Force Training Ribbon
- Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal, first class
- Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
- Vietnam Campaign Medal
Work After the Military
After retiring from the Air Force, Johnson continued to help military personnel. He became the vice chairman of USAA. This company provides services to military families. He also chaired USAA's Bank and Investment Management Company.
In 1993, both President George H. W. Bush and President Bill Clinton appointed Johnson to a special commission. This commission helped decide which military bases would close or change.
When Kelly Air Force Base closed, Johnson helped turn it into a busy industrial center. He also worked as an executive for the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). Later, he was the president and CEO of EG&G Technical Services.
On August 3, 2001, President George W. Bush asked Johnson to be the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Installations and Environment). He started this job four days later. On February 7, 2003, the President asked him to become the Acting Secretary of the Navy. He was the only Air Force officer to ever hold this position.
After leaving the Department of the Navy, Johnson became a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA).
Family Life
Hansford Johnson was married to Linda until she passed away in January 2011. They had a son named Richard and a daughter named Beth. They also had six grandchildren.
