Rear Admiral Donald K. Bullard

United States Navy
Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC)

Rear Admiral Donald K. Bullard is a native of Santa Paula, Calif. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Southern California and was commissioned through the NROTC Program in June 1973. Rear Admiral Bullard was designated a Naval Aviator in March 1975.

Rear Adm. Bullard’s operational sea tours include flying the A-7E Corsair in Attack Squadron One One Three (VA 113) in USS Ranger (CV 61), Attack Squadron One Nine Five (VA 195) in USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW 14) in USS Coral Sea (CV 43), Attack Squadron Two Seven (VA 27) in USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and flying the F/A-18 Hornet in Strike Fighter Squadron Nine Seven (VFA 97) in USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63).

Rear Adm. Bullard’s shore assignments include duty with Attack Squadron One Two Two (VA 122), with Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet and on the Staff of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air Warfare).

Rear Adm. Bullard received his Masters Degree with highest distinction from the Naval War College and is a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College. He is also a graduate of the Syracuse University Maxwell School National Security Studies Program and has served on the Staff of the Center for Naval Warfare Studies.

In January 1991, Rear Adm. Bullard assumed command of Strike Fighter Squadron Nine Seven (VFA 97) embarked in Kitty Hawk. In July 1995, Rear Adm. Bullard reported as Commanding Officer of USS New Orleans (LPH 11). Rear Adm. Bullard became the 28th Commanding Officer of USS Constellation (CV 64) in January 1998. In October 1999, he reported as Chief of Staff for Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. In July 2000, Rear Adm. Bullard was assigned to the Joint Staff as Deputy Director for Operations in the National Military Command Center. In September 2002 he assumed command of Carrier Group Six/John F. Kennedy Battle Group. He was also assigned as the Deputy Commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa from December 2002 to May 2003. In October 2004, he was assigned as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operational Readiness and Training, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. He assumed his current duties in January 2006.

Rear Adm. Bullard has logged over 4,000 hours in various aircraft with over 1,000 carrier landings. His personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards), Legion of Merit (four awards), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.