Rear Admiral Robert P. Girrier entered the U.S. Naval Academy from the State of New York and graduated with merit in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science Degree.

At sea, Girrier commanded USS Guardian (MCM 5) from March 1997 to September 1998 – a Forward Deployed Naval Force Avenger class mine countermeasure ship - operating from Sasebo, Japan, in support of 7th Fleet operations. Under his command, Guardian participated in numerous exercises with naval forces from Japan, the Republic of Korea and Singapore.

He commanded USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), stationed in Mayport, Fla., from November 2001 to July 2003. While in command, Roosevelt embarked on her initial deployment, the first for the new Flight IIA Arleigh Burke class, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in the Mediterranean theater. During this period he served as air defense commander for Commander Battle Force 6th Fleet.

In June 2005, Girrier assumed command of Destroyer Squadron 15 – the Forward Deployed Naval Force destroyer squadron operating from Yokosuka, Japan. During his tour as Kitty Hawk Strike Group sea combat commander, the Squadron developed new tactics, techniques and procedures for anti-submarine warfare and maritime ballistic missile defense, while strengthening key bi-lateral relationships in theater.

Initial sea tours as a division officer and department head were served aboard USS DeWert (FFG 45) home ported in Charleston, S.C., and USS Chandler (DDG 996) in San Diego, respectively.

Ashore, following his first sea tour, Girrier initially served as an instructor at the Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport, R. I. In Washington, he has served as a counter proliferation policy planner and representative to NATO bodies on counter proliferation issues for the Joint Staff (J-5); as the administrative aide to the Secretary of the Navy; the executive assistant to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Plans, Policy and Operations (N3/N5) and the deputy director of the Navy Staff. His most recent position was executive assistant to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples.

A designated joint specialty officer and sub specialist in General Political Science, Europe, and Strategic Planning, Girrier has earned a Master of Arts in International Affairs from the American University School of International Service; a Master of Marine Affairs degree from the University of Rhode Island; and a Masters in Public Administration as a Moreau Scholar from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University – specializing in negotiations and conflict resolution. He is the co-author of the Division Officer’s Guide 11th edition, and Watch Officers Guide 15th edition (U.S. Naval Institute Press, 2004 and 2007).

His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (3), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Navy Commendation Medal (2) and the Navy Achievement Medal.