David C. Nichols
Encyclopedia
Vice Admiral
David C. Nichols is a retired senior U.S. naval officer and Naval Flight Officer
. At the time of his retirement in September 2007, he was the Deputy Commander of United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) at MacDill AFB, Florida.
Following graduation from the University of Tennessee
, Vice Admiral Nichols was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army
through the Army ROTC program. He is also a graduate of U.S. Army Ranger School
. After a lateral transfer to the United States Navy and Naval Flight Officer
training at Naval Air Station Pensacola
, Florida, he reported to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, in October 1974 for training in the A-6 Intruder
carrier-based attack aircraft.
Vice Admiral Nichols' duty at sea includes tours in Attack Squadron 145 (VA-145), Attack Squadron 165 (VA-165), and Attack Squadron 196 (VA-196). He commanded Attack Squadron 196 (VA-196) on board USS Independence
in 1990/91 during Operation Desert Shield
and Carrier Air Wing Two
(CVW-2) on board USS Constellation
in 1994/95 during deployment to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch
. He commanded Carrier Group One
headquartered at NAS North Island in San Diego, California
from July 2000 until November 2001. He then assumed the duties as Commander, United States Naval Forces Central Command (COMUSNAVCENT) and Commander, U.S. Fifth Fleet
at Naval Support Activity Manama, Bahrain from October 2003 until November 2005.
His assignments ashore include duty as an Operational Test Director in Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 5 (VX-5
) at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake
, California; Tactics Department Head at the Naval Strike Warfare Center/Strike University at NAS Fallon, Nevada; Executive Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy — Tactical Programs in Washington, D.C.
; and Attack Readiness Officer at Medium Attack and Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (MATVAQWINGPAC) at NAS Whidbey Island. He commanded the Naval Strike Warfare Center/Strike University in 1995/96 and the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center
at NAS Fallon, Nevada from May 2002 to October 2003.
His joint duty includes Executive Assistant to the Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Command
(USPACOM), at Camp Smith, Hawaii, from May 1996 until May 1998, and Deputy Director of Operations (DJ3) for U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base
, Florida, from June 1998 until June 2000. He served as Deputy Commander, Joint Task Force Southwest Asia (JTF-SWA) and Combined Air Operations Center Director at Prince Sultan Air Base
, Al Karj, Saudi Arabia
, from November 2001 through March 2002 during Operation Enduring Freedom. During Operation Iraqi Freedom he was the USCENTCOM Combined Air Forces Deputy Commander, again at Prince Sultan Air Base, from February to May 2003.
VADM Nichols is a distinguished graduate of the United States Naval War College
, Newport, Rhode Island, and a graduate of the National Defense University
's Joint and Combined Staff Officer School at the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Virginia. He completed Senior Executive programs at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu and the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies in Washington, D.C.
. His personal awards include multiple awards of the Defense Superior Service Medal
, Legion of Merit
, Meritorious Service Medal
, Air Medal
, Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal. He was a recipient of the U.S. Pacific Fleet Naval Flight Officer of the Year award as a Lieutenant Commander
and the Senator Henry M. Jackson Memorial Leadership Award as a Commander
.
Vice admiral (United States)
In the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps, and the United States Maritime Service, vice admiral is a three-star flag officer, with the pay grade of...
David C. Nichols is a retired senior U.S. naval officer and Naval Flight Officer
Naval Flight Officer
A Naval Flight Officer is an aeronautically designated commissioned officer in the United States Navy or United States Marine Corps that specializes in airborne weapons and sensor systems. NFOs are not pilots per se, but they may perform many "co-pilot" functions, depending on the type of aircraft...
. At the time of his retirement in September 2007, he was the Deputy Commander of United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) at MacDill AFB, Florida.
Following graduation from the University of Tennessee
University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee is a public land-grant university headquartered at Knoxville, Tennessee, United States...
, Vice Admiral Nichols was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
through the Army ROTC program. He is also a graduate of U.S. Army Ranger School
Ranger School
The United States Army Ranger School is an intense 61-day combat leadership course oriented towards small-unit tactics. It has been called the "toughest combat course in the world" and "is the most physically and mentally demanding leadership school the Army has to offer". The course is conducted...
. After a lateral transfer to the United States Navy and Naval Flight Officer
Naval Flight Officer
A Naval Flight Officer is an aeronautically designated commissioned officer in the United States Navy or United States Marine Corps that specializes in airborne weapons and sensor systems. NFOs are not pilots per se, but they may perform many "co-pilot" functions, depending on the type of aircraft...
training at Naval Air Station Pensacola
Naval Air Station Pensacola
Naval Air Station Pensacola or NAS Pensacola , "The Cradle of Naval Aviation", is a United States Navy base located next to Warrington, Florida, a community southwest of the Pensacola city limits...
, Florida, he reported to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, in October 1974 for training in the A-6 Intruder
A-6 Intruder
The Grumman A-6 Intruder was an American, twin jet-engine, mid-wing attack aircraft built by Grumman Aerospace. In service with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps between 1963 and 1997, the Intruder was designed as an all-weather medium attack aircraft to replace the piston-engined A-1 Skyraider...
carrier-based attack aircraft.
Vice Admiral Nichols' duty at sea includes tours in Attack Squadron 145 (VA-145), Attack Squadron 165 (VA-165), and Attack Squadron 196 (VA-196). He commanded Attack Squadron 196 (VA-196) on board USS Independence
USS Independence (CV-62)
The fifth USS Independence is a of the United States Navy. It was the fourth and final member of the Forrestal-class conventional-powered Supercarrier...
in 1990/91 during Operation Desert Shield
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
and Carrier Air Wing Two
Carrier Air Wing Two
Carrier Air Wing Two is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Lemoore. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln .-Mission:...
(CVW-2) on board USS Constellation
USS Constellation (CV-64)
USS Constellation , a Kitty Hawk-class supercarrier, was the third ship of the United States Navy to be named in honor of the "new constellation of stars" on the flag of the United States and the only naval vessel ever authorized to display red, white, and blue designation numbers...
in 1994/95 during deployment to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch
Operation Southern Watch
Operation Southern Watch was an operation conducted by Joint Task Force Southwest Asia with the mission of monitoring and controlling airspace south of the 32nd Parallel in Iraq, following the 1991 Gulf War until the 2003 invasion of Iraq.-Summary:Operation Southern Watch began on 27 August 1992...
. He commanded Carrier Group One
Carrier Strike Group One
Carrier Strike Group One, abbreviated as CSG-1, CARSTRKGRU 1, is one of six U.S. Navy carrier strike groups currently assigned to the United States Pacific Fleet. U.S...
headquartered at NAS North Island in San Diego, California
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
from July 2000 until November 2001. He then assumed the duties as Commander, United States Naval Forces Central Command (COMUSNAVCENT) and Commander, U.S. Fifth Fleet
United States 5th Fleet
The Fifth Fleet of the United States Navy is responsible for naval forces in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and coast off East Africa as far south as Kenya. It shares a commander and headquarters with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command . The commander of the 5th Fleet is currently Vice...
at Naval Support Activity Manama, Bahrain from October 2003 until November 2005.
His assignments ashore include duty as an Operational Test Director in Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 5 (VX-5
VX-9
VX-9. Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine, is a United States Navy air test and evaluation squadron based at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California...
) at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake
- About : is part of under Commander, Navy Installation Command and is located in the Western Mojave Desert region of California, approximately north of Los Angeles. Occupying three counties – Kern, San Bernardino and Inyo – the installation’s closest neighbors are the cities of Ridgecrest,...
, California; Tactics Department Head at the Naval Strike Warfare Center/Strike University at NAS Fallon, Nevada; Executive Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy — Tactical Programs in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
; and Attack Readiness Officer at Medium Attack and Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (MATVAQWINGPAC) at NAS Whidbey Island. He commanded the Naval Strike Warfare Center/Strike University in 1995/96 and the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center
Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center
The Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center at Naval Air Station Fallon located in the city of Fallon in western Nevada is the center of excellence for naval aviation training and tactics development...
at NAS Fallon, Nevada from May 2002 to October 2003.
His joint duty includes Executive Assistant to the Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Command
United States Pacific Command
The United States Pacific Command is a Unified Combatant Command of the United States armed forces responsible for the Pacific Ocean area. It is led by the Commander, Pacific Command , who is the supreme military authority for the various branches of the Armed Forces of the United States serving...
(USPACOM), at Camp Smith, Hawaii, from May 1996 until May 1998, and Deputy Director of Operations (DJ3) for U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base
MacDill Air Force Base
MacDill Air Force Base is an active United States Air Force base located approximately south-southwest of downtown Tampa, Florida...
, Florida, from June 1998 until June 2000. He served as Deputy Commander, Joint Task Force Southwest Asia (JTF-SWA) and Combined Air Operations Center Director at Prince Sultan Air Base
Prince Sultan Air Base
Prince Sultan Air Base is an air base located at Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia.There was formerly a large United States presence there during Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The U.S. presence was predominantly that of multiple U.S. Air Force flying units, augmented by a...
, Al Karj, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , commonly known in British English as Saudi Arabia and in Arabic as as-Sa‘ūdiyyah , is the largest state in Western Asia by land area, constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula, and the second-largest in the Arab World...
, from November 2001 through March 2002 during Operation Enduring Freedom. During Operation Iraqi Freedom he was the USCENTCOM Combined Air Forces Deputy Commander, again at Prince Sultan Air Base, from February to May 2003.
VADM Nichols is a distinguished graduate of the United States Naval War College
Naval War College
The Naval War College is an education and research institution of the United States Navy that specializes in developing ideas for naval warfare and passing them along to officers of the Navy. The college is located on the grounds of Naval Station Newport in Newport, Rhode Island...
, Newport, Rhode Island, and a graduate of the National Defense University
National Defense University
The National Defense University is an institution of higher education funded by the United States Department of Defense, intended to facilitate high-level training, education, and the development of national security strategy. It is chartered by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with Navy Vice Admiral...
's Joint and Combined Staff Officer School at the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Virginia. He completed Senior Executive programs at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu and the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies in Washington, D.C.
Awards and decorations
VADM Nichols has over 5,000 flight hours in various models of Navy aircraft, including more than 4,000 hours in the A-6 IntruderA-6 Intruder
The Grumman A-6 Intruder was an American, twin jet-engine, mid-wing attack aircraft built by Grumman Aerospace. In service with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps between 1963 and 1997, the Intruder was designed as an all-weather medium attack aircraft to replace the piston-engined A-1 Skyraider...
. His personal awards include multiple awards of the Defense Superior Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal
The Defense Superior Service Medal is a senior United States military decoration of the Department of Defense, awarded to members of the United States armed forces who perform "superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility."...
, Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
, Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (United States)
The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969...
, Air Medal
Air Medal
The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:...
, Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal. He was a recipient of the U.S. Pacific Fleet Naval Flight Officer of the Year award as a Lieutenant Commander
Lieutenant Commander
Lieutenant Commander is a commissioned officer rank in many navies. The rank is superior to a lieutenant and subordinate to a commander...
and the Senator Henry M. Jackson Memorial Leadership Award as a Commander
Commander
Commander is a naval rank which is also sometimes used as a military title depending on the individual customs of a given military service. Commander is also used as a rank or title in some organizations outside of the armed forces, particularly in police and law enforcement.-Commander as a naval...
.
Defense Superior Service MedalDefense Superior Service MedalThe Defense Superior Service Medal is a senior United States military decoration of the Department of Defense, awarded to members of the United States armed forces who perform "superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility."...
Legion of MeritLegion of MeritThe Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service Medal (United States)The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969...
Air MedalAir MedalThe Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:...
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation MedalCommendation MedalThe Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star, the Valor device may...
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement MedalAchievement MedalThe Achievement Medal is a military decoration of the United States military. The Achievement Medal was first proposed as a means to recognize the contributions of junior officers and enlisted personnel who were not eligible to receive the higher Commendation Medal or the Meritorious Service...