John Kirby (admiral) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Kirby
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Official portrait, 2021
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| White House National Security Communications Advisor | |
| In office May 28, 2022 – January 20, 2025 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Saloni Sharma |
| Succeeded by | TBC |
| Pentagon Press Secretary | |
| In office January 20, 2021 – May 27, 2022 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Alyssa Farah |
| Succeeded by | Patrick S. Ryder |
| In office December 2013 – February 2015 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | George E. Little |
| Succeeded by | Peter Cook |
| Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs | |
| In office January 20, 2021 – May 27, 2022 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Jonathan Rath Hoffman |
| Succeeded by | Chris Meagher |
| Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs | |
| In office December 11, 2015 – January 20, 2017 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Douglas Frantz |
| Succeeded by | Michelle Giuda |
| Spokesperson for the United States Department of State | |
| In office May 13, 2015 – January 20, 2017 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Jen Psaki |
| Succeeded by | Heather Nauert |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 3, 1963 |
| Spouse | Donna |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | University of South Florida (BA) Troy University (MS) Naval War College (MA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1986–2015 |
| Rank |  Rear Admiral |
| Commands | Chief of Naval Information |
John F. Kirby, born on June 3, 1963, is a former high-ranking officer in the United States Navy. He worked as the White House National Security Communications Advisor from May 2022 to January 2025. Before that, he was the Pentagon Press Secretary and helped the Secretary of Defense with public relations from 2021 to 2022, during President Joe Biden's time in office.
He also worked for CNN as an expert on military and international topics from 2017 to 2021. Earlier, during President Barack Obama's administration, he was the Pentagon Press Secretary (2013-2015) and the main spokesperson for the United States Department of State (2015-2017).
Contents
John Kirby's Early Life and Education
John Kirby was born on June 3, 1963, and grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida. He finished Saint Petersburg Catholic High School in 1981. In 1985, he graduated from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. There, he earned a degree in history.
He also has advanced degrees. He earned a Master of Science in international relations from Troy University. He also has a Master of Arts in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College.
John Kirby's Military Service
Kirby joined the Navy in September 1986. He completed Officer Candidate School in Rhode Island. He first served as a Surface Warfare Officer on a ship called the USS Aubrey Fitch. Later, he became a public affairs officer (PAO). This role involves communicating with the public and media.
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As a public affairs officer, Kirby worked on the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal. He also served on the staff of the Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, aboard the ship USS Mount Whitney.
On land, Kirby taught at the U.S. Naval Academy. He was also a public affairs officer for the Blue Angels, the Navy's flight demonstration team. He was the editor-in-chief of the Navy's magazine, All Hands. He also worked for top Navy leaders, including the Chief of Naval Operations.
He became the deputy assistant secretary of defense for media operations. This role meant he helped manage how the military communicated with the news. In May 2012, Kirby was promoted to rear admiral (lower half). He became the U.S. Navy's Chief of Information (CHINFO). In this job, he was the main spokesperson for the Navy. He also advised the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations on how to talk to the public. He led over 2,700 communication professionals in the Navy.
John Kirby's Government Career
Working for President Obama
In December 2013, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel chose Kirby to be the Pentagon press secretary. This role meant he spoke for the Pentagon. In May 2014, Kirby was promoted to rear admiral.
On April 22, 2015, it was announced that Kirby would become the new spokesperson for the United States Department of State. He started this role on May 12, 2015, after he retired from the military. He left this position when President Trump took office on January 20, 2017.
Working for CNN
During the time President Donald Trump was in office, Kirby worked for CNN. He was an expert who shared his thoughts on military and international policy.
Working for President Biden
On January 14, 2021, President Joe Biden asked Kirby to return as the Pentagon press secretary.
On March 11, 2021, Kirby spoke out against comments made about women serving in the military. He defended the importance of supporting women in uniform.
On May 19, 2022, the White House announced that Kirby would move to a new role. He joined the United States National Security Council as Coordinator for Strategic Communications. In this job, Kirby helped explain U.S. policies to the public. He also served as a senior voice for the government on important issues. Kirby has stated that "LGBTQ+ rights are human rights" and are a key part of U.S. foreign policy.
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In November 2023, Kirby responded to claims about Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip. He said that "Israel is not trying to wipe the Palestinian people off the map." He explained that Israel was defending itself against a terrorist threat. In January 2024, Kirby also said that President Biden supports Israel's right to defend itself. He also supported efforts to free all hostages.
In 2023 and 2024, Kirby often took on duties usually handled by the White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre. He frequently joined her in press conferences. He also gave many media interviews and answered a wide range of questions from journalists.
After Government Service
After finishing his role as the National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications in January 2025, Kirby began a new career. He started giving public speeches and attending events. He signed with the Washington Speakers Bureau and has been a speaker at events like the University of Nebraska Omaha's Chuck Hagel Forum.
Awards and Recognition
John Kirby has received many awards for his service. These include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and the Defense Superior Service Medal. He also earned the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal multiple times. These awards recognize his excellent service and achievements in the military.
Personal Life
John Kirby is married to Donna. She is also a Navy veteran. They have two grown children.
See also
In Spanish: John Kirby (almirante) para niños
