Scott Stearney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Scott A. Stearney
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Stearney in May 2018
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| Born | October 21, 1960 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | December 1, 2018 (aged 58) Naval Support Activity Bahrain |
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1982–2018 |
| Rank | Vice Admiral |
| Commands held | United States Naval Forces Central Command United States Fifth Fleet Navy Warfare Development Command Commander Strike Force Training Atlantic Joint Enabling Capabilities Command Carrier Air Wing Seven VFA-131 |
| Battles/wars | Gulf War War in Afghanistan |
| Awards | Defense Superior Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit (4) |
Scott Andrew Stearney (born October 21, 1960 – died December 1, 2018) was an American naval aviator and a vice admiral in the United States Navy. He was well-known for leading the Fifth Fleet, which is based in Bahrain.
Early Life and Education
Scott Stearney grew up in Chicago, Illinois. He went to the University of Notre Dame and earned a degree in Economics. After college, he joined the United States Navy in October 1982.
He then began flight training and became a Naval Aviator in April 1984. This means he was officially trained to fly planes for the Navy. He also attended the Navy Fighter Weapons School, often called "Top Gun." Later, he earned a Master of Science degree from the National Defense University.
Stearney flew the FA-18 Hornet, a powerful fighter jet, in many different squadrons. He was part of squadrons like the Golden Warriors and the Knighthawks. He also worked as a strike warfare officer for Carrier Group 4.
He commanded the Wildcats of VFA-131 and Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7). These groups operated from the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69). He also served in Kabul, Afghanistan, as a chief of staff for special task forces.
When not flying, Stearney held important roles on land. He was an instructor at the Navy Fighter Weapons School. He also worked as an assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations, who is the highest-ranking officer in the Navy. He held leadership positions at the United States Joint Forces Command and Strike Force Training Atlantic.
From May 2018 until his passing in December 2018, Stearney was the commander of the United States Naval Forces Central Command, the United States Fifth Fleet, and the Combined Maritime Forces. These commands are very important for naval operations in the Middle East.
Stearney received many awards for his service. These included the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. He flew over 4,500 hours without any accidents. He also completed more than 1,000 carrier arrested landings, which are challenging landings on an aircraft carrier.
Passing Away
Vice Admiral Scott Stearney passed away on December 1, 2018. Rear Admiral Paul J. Schlise took over his command of the Fifth Fleet. Stearney was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on December 20, 2018.
