James A. Robb - Rear Admiral, United States Navy (Ret.)
Rear Admiral James A. Robb
graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1972, earned a Master's of
Science degree from the University of West Florida in 1973, and was designated
a Naval Aviator in 1974. Promoted to Flag rank in January 1999, he served in
increasing positions of responsibility until his retirement in March of
His final assignment at sea was in command of the USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group consisting of nine ships and over 8,000 sailors. Here he led the West Coast maritime response to 9/11 and prepared the Battle Group for support of operations in Afghanistan. Earlier, he commanded Carrier Air Wing Nine embarked in USS NIMITZ where he was the Strike Warfare Commander for naval forces supporting operation Southern Watch/Dessert Storm. He also served as Deputy Commander for Carrier Air Wing Eleven, and commanded the "Screaming Eagles" of Fighter Squadron Fifty One and the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). During his career, he deployed nine times to every major theater of operations, logging over 5,000 hours and more than 1000 carrier landings.
Joint Flag assignments include service as the Executive Assistant to U. S. Pacific Command, Deputy Commander of Joint Task Force Southwest Asia directing strike operations over Iraq. He was assigned to the Central Command Staff following 9/11 where he supported Generals Franks and Abizaid as Director of Plans, Policy and Coalition Operations. During three years at CENTCOM, he developed strategic analysis and plans for operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Global War on Terrorism, managed international and interagency integration, and was a key member of the war-fighting battle staff.
Significant Navy Staff Flag assignments include service as the Director of Aviation Plans and Requirements (N880) responsible for assessing requirements and managing resources for Navy and Marine Corps aviation acquisition and training accounts. Most recently, he served as Director of Fleet Readiness (N43) tasked with analyzing the quality and cost of fleet readiness, managing operations and maintenance accounts, and developing life-cycle plans for all deployable forces. He also supported CNO strategic cost management and productivity initiatives as a Board Member of the Naval Aviation, Surface and Subsurface Enterprises.
Admiral Robb is also a recognized expert in joint operations, tactics and training, serving as an instructor, test pilot and demonstration pilot in the F-14 TOMCAT. He was Lead Project Pilot and Officer in Charge of Navy/Marine Corps Special Operations flying Russian fighter aircraft in the Tonopah Test Ranges. While in command of TOPGUN, he drove joint weapons and tactics requirements, and oversaw all Navy Adversary squadron plans and operations.
Since retirement, Admiral Robb has been an independent consultant and corporate executive specializing in Strategic Planning, Joint Operations and Defense Acquisition Reform. Dedicated to improving industry and government return on investment through better decision making, he helps civilian and military leaders take their strategic awareness, perspective and analysis to higher levels.
