Charles R. Larson

Charles R. Larson
Admiral Charles Larson as superintendent of the US Naval Academy
Born	(1936-11-20)November 20, 1936 Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Died	July 26, 2014(2014-07-26) (aged 77) Annapolis, Maryland
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1958–1998
Rank	Admiral
Unit	USS Sculpin (SSN-590) (XO) USS Halibut (SSN-587) (CO) Commander, Submarine Development Group One
Commands held	Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy U.S. Pacific Command
Awards	Defense Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal (7) Legion of Merit (3) Bronze Star Presidential Service Badge
Other work	Board of Directors, Northrop Grumman Political candidate

Charles Robert Larson (November 20, 1936 – July 26, 2014) was a four-star Admiral of the United States Navy.

A 1958 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Larson twice served as Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He also served as Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Command (CINCPAC). His classmates at the Academy included future U.S. Senator John McCain and Vice Admiral John Poindexter.

After graduation from the Naval Academy in 1958 he reported to Pensacola, Florida, to enter flight training. Upon completion, as a pilot, he reported to Attack Squadron 176 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) where he served until April 1963. He commenced nuclear power training in 1963 and upon completion reported to the USS Nathan Hale (SSBN-623), where he qualified in submarines. His next tours of duty were on USS Nathanael Greene (SSBN-636) and USS Bergall (SSN-667).

Admiral Larson was the first naval officer selected as a White House Fellow and served his fellowship in 1968 as Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Interior. From 1969 to 1971, he served as Naval Aide to the President of the United States. He reported back to sea duty as executive officer of the nuclear attack submarine USS Sculpin (SSN-590). Then from 1973 to 1976, he served as commanding officer of the nuclear attack submarine USS Halibut (SSN-587). In 1976, Admiral Larson assumed duties as Commander, Submarine Development Group ONE in San Diego, California, in which he headed the Navy's worldwide deep submergence program.

Admiral Larson was promoted to four-star rank in February 1990 upon being assigned as Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet-the Navy component commander in the Pacific theater. After one year in this position, Admiral Larson was nominated by the President and assumed duties as Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Command.