George Wikoff Explained

George Wikoff
Birth Place:New Brunswick, New Jersey[1]
Allegiance:United States
Branch:United States Navy
Serviceyears:1990–present
Rank:Vice Admiral
Commands:United States Naval Forces Central Command
United States Fifth Fleet
Combined Maritime Forces
Carrier Strike Group 5
Carrier Air Wing Three
VFA-122
VFA-211
Battles:War in Afghanistan
Awards:Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit (4)
Alma Mater:Catholic University

George M. Wikoff (born 1968)[2] is a United States Navy vice admiral who serves as the commander of the United States Naval Forces Central Command, United States Fifth Fleet, and Combined Maritime Forces. He previously served as the vice director of the Joint Staff from 2021 to 2023.[1] [3] [4] [5]

In January 2023, Wikoff was nominated for promotion to vice admiral and assignment as commander of the United States Naval Forces Central Command, United States Fifth Fleet, and Combined Maritime Forces.[6] [7] He served as acting commander of Naval Air Forces from September 7, 2023 to January 2024.[8]

Career highlights

Topgun instructor (Lieutenant) at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC), 1998.

On 6 July 1998, Wikoff was pilot of F-14 Tomcat BuNo 160408 for a 1-V-1 training mission at Fallon Range Training Complex. A mis-rigged throttle, when retarded to idle, caused a compressor stall of one engine and the aircraft entered a spin. The crew, Wickoff and RIO Art "Kato" Delacruz,[9] both instructors at NSAWC, successfully ejected.[10]

External links

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Notes and References

  1. Web site: Rear Admiral George Wikoff. www.navy.mil.
  2. Book: Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy on Active Duty . October 1, 1990 . 192 . Bureau of Naval Personnel . June 5, 2021.
  3. Web site: US Navy Admiral hails Beijing as 'cordial, professional' in South China Sea. October 17, 2019. South China Morning Post.
  4. Web site: Wikoff Takes Command of 7th Fleet's Task Force 70. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
  5. Web site: Rear Adm. George M. Wikoff, commander, Task Force (CTF) 70, visits USS McCampbell (DDG 85). DVIDS.
  6. Web site: PN211 — Rear Adm. George M. Wikoff — Navy . January 26, 2023 . United States Congress.
  7. Web site: Flag Officer Announcements. U.S. Department of Defense.
  8. Web site: LaGrone. Sam. Acting Commanders Set to Take Charge of Naval Academy, Naval Air Forces and NAVSEA. 2023-08-25. 2023-09-02. USNI News.
  9. https://upgrayedd.teamrubiconusa.org/blog/rescuer-reunites-with-topgun-instructor-he-plucked-from-desert/ Rescuer Reunites with TOPGUN Instructor He Plucked from Desert
  10. https://www.key.aero/article/tomcats-topgun Tomcats of TOPGUN