Vice ADM. Gerald L. Hoewing - Doctor of Education
May 2013
 |
|
Gerald L. Hoewing |
Vice Adm. Gerald L. Hoewing was the 53rd chief of naval personnel. A native of Keokuk, Iowa, he graduated from Iowa State University with a BS degree. Hoewing received his commission in May 1971 through the NROTC Scholarship Program and was designated a naval aviator in August 1972.
He received his initial training in the A-7E Corsair II light attack aircraft at NAS Lemoore, Calif. Hoewing served with Attack Squadrons 147, 122 and 94, and completed several western Pacific deployments aboard USS Constellation (CV 64) and USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). In 1980, he reported to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Five at Naval Weapons Center, China Lake, Calif., and served as operational test director for the F/A-18 Hornet operational evaluation.
Following A-7E and F-14 refresher training, Hoewing was assigned as Carrier Air Wing Six operations officer, completing three Mediterranean/Indian Ocean deployments onboard USS Independence (CV 62) and USS Forrestal (CV 59). Graduating from the National War College in 1987, he reported as executive officer of Strike Fighter Squadron 81 and assumed command of the "Sunliners" in May 1989, deploying aboard USS Saratoga (CV 60) during Operation Desert Shield.
Hoewing served at the Bureau of Naval Personnel as aviation lieutenant commander/junior officer assignment branch head. In 1993, he assumed command of the fast combat logistics support ship USS Seattle (AOE 3), deploying to the Mediterranean in support of the USS Theodore Roosevelt battle group. In January 1995, he became the 20th commanding officer of USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67). He later served as the senior military assistant to the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness in Washington, D.C.
Hoewing was the assistant commander for distribution (PERS-4), Navy Personnel Command, responsible for the assignment of more than 370,000 Navy sailors. Later, he commanded Carrier Group Seven embarked aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in October 1999, completing a highly successful deployment to the western Pacific and the Arabian Gulf. He commanded the Navy Personnel Command from September 2000 through September 2002.
In 2002, Hoewing assumed the duties of chief of naval personnel/deputy chief of naval operations (manpower and personnel); in 2005, he assumed additional responsibilities for Navy training and education. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with three Gold Stars, Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Stars, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various campaign and service awards.
Since retiring from the Navy, Hoewing has undertaken significant contributions to broadening STEM education. Working with fellow naval aviators and Purdue alumni Capt. Neil Armstrong and Capt. Gene Cernan, Hoewing brought to fruition the National Flight Academy (NFA), an immersive learning experience that uses flight to stimulate students’ interest in science, technology, education and math (STEM) as fields of study and areas of career exploration. The $45 million NFA was commissioned in May 2012 and is the capstone of a suite of classroom and web-based experiences that engage students across the county in an interactive curriculum that addresses the national benchmarks in mathematics and science as well as the National Common Core Standards for Math and Science. Hoewing’s contributions in this area represent a commitment to facilitating collaboration between numerous entities vested in the need for STEM-based education and careers.
Hoewing serves as president and chief executive officer of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation and as president of the National Flight Academy. He and his wife, Charlotte (Charlie), reside in Pensacola, Fla.
