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 June 3, 1963) is a retired United States Navy officer. He served as a rear admiral. From 2022 to 2025, he was the White House National Security Communications Advisor. This means he helped explain the US government's security plans.
Before this, he worked for President Joe Biden. He was the Pentagon Press Secretary. He also served as the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs from 2021 to 2022. From 2017 to 2021, he was a military and diplomatic expert for CNN. He also worked for President Barack Obama. He was the Pentagon Press Secretary from 2013 to 2015. Later, he became the spokesperson for the United States Department of State. He also served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs from 2015 to 2017.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Kirby was born on June 3, 1963. He 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. There, he earned a degree in history.
He also has a master's degree in international relations from Troy University. He earned another master's degree in national security and strategic studies. This was from the Naval War College.
Military Career
Kirby joined the Navy in September 1986. He completed Officer Candidate School. He first worked on a guided-missile frigate. Later, he became a public affairs officer (PAO). This job involves sharing information with the public.
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As a public affairs officer, Kirby worked on ships. These included the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal. He also served on the staff of the United States Second Fleet.
On land, he taught at the U.S. Naval Academy. He was also a public affairs officer for the Blue Angels. This is the Navy's flight demonstration team. He was the editor-in-chief of All Hands magazine. This is the Navy's main monthly magazine.
He also worked for top Navy leaders. These included the Chief of Naval Operations. He also served as a special assistant for public affairs. This was for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
He was the deputy assistant secretary of defense for media operations. This role meant he helped manage how the military shared news.
In May 2012, Kirby became a rear admiral. He served as the Navy's Chief of Information (CHINFO). In this role, he was the main spokesperson for the Navy. He also advised the Secretary of the Navy. He led over 2,700 communication experts in the Navy.
Career in Government
Working with President Obama
In December 2013, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel chose Kirby. He became the Pentagon press secretary. In May 2014, Kirby was promoted to a full rear admiral.
In April 2015, it was announced that Kirby would become the new spokesperson for the United States Department of State. He retired from the military later that year. He started his new role on May 12, 2015. He spoke about US foreign policy. For example, in 2016, he spoke about the situation in Yemen. He left this job when President Trump took office in January 2017.
Working with CNN
During the time President Donald Trump was in office, Kirby worked for CNN. He was an expert on military and foreign policy topics.
Working with President Biden
On January 14, 2021, President Joe Biden asked Kirby to return. He became the Pentagon press secretary again.
In March 2021, Kirby spoke out. He disagreed with comments about women in the military. He said that supporting women in uniform helps the military.
In May 2022, the White House announced a new role for Kirby. He would join the United States National Security Council. His new title was Coordinator for Strategic Communications. In this job, he helps explain US policies. He is a senior voice for the government. Kirby has said that "LGBTQ+ rights are human rights." He believes this is a key part of US foreign policy.
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In November 2023, Kirby spoke about the situation in the Gaza Strip. He said that Israel is defending itself. He stated that Israel is not trying to harm the Palestinian people.
In January 2024, Kirby said President Biden supports Israel's right to defend itself. He also emphasized getting all hostages released. In 2023 and 2024, Kirby often joined White House press conferences. He took on more duties usually handled by the White House press secretary.
After Government Service
After leaving his role in January 2025, Kirby plans to do public speaking. He signed with the Washington Speakers Bureau. He will speak at events like the University of Nebraska Omaha's Chuck Hagel Forum.
Awards and Personal Life
Kirby has received many awards for his service. These include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. He also received the Defense Superior Service Medal.
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
