Vice Admiral Sam J. Locklear III is a 1977 graduate of the United States Naval Academy.

His career as a Surface Warfare Officer includes assignments aboard USS William V. Pratt (DDG-44), USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), USS Callaghan (DDG-994) and USS Truxtun (CG-35), culminating in command of the USS Leftwich (DD-984). Subsequent fleet command assignments include commander, Destroyer Squadron 2, commander, Nimitz Strike Group, and commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet.

Ashore, he served as executive assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, the 78th commandant of Midshipmen, United States Naval Academy, director, Assessment Division (OPNAV N81), and director, Programming Division (OPNAV N80).

He is a 1992 graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from George Washington University.

His personal decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with four gold stars, Bronze Star Medal, and various other awards and medals.

Locklear assumed duties as Director, Navy Staff on 2 July 2009.