Michael C. Manazir

Michael "Mike" Charles Manazir (born 1959) is a retired American rear admiral who last served as the deputy chief of naval operations for warfare systems before his retirement in 2017. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1981 and became a naval aviator. During his career in the United States Navy, he had deployments for the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan. Manazir's notable commands included a fighter squadron, a fast combat support ship, an aircraft carrier, and Carrier Strike Group 8.

Early life and education Manazir was born in 1959 in Quantico, Virginia, and is the son of a career United States Marine. He graduated from Mission Viejo High School in 1977 and subsequently attended the U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering in 1981.

Naval career

Manazir completed F-14A training and reported for duty to VF-51 as a pilot and landing signal officer (LSO) in July 1984. He has flown over 3,750 hours and made 1,200 arrested landings over the course of 15 deployments aboard aircraft carriers.

Manazir's shore duty assignments included the positions of Aviation Liaison Officer with the Office of the Secretary of Defense (1993 - 1995), OPNAV Staff F-14 Requirements Officer (October 1998 - November 1999), and Navy Nuclear Power Training (1999 - 2001) the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) from March 2007 to August 2009, and Carrier Strike Group 8, which embarked on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) from September 2011 to June 2013.

Manazir has deployed at least 11 times to the Persian Gulf and the Pacific. Manazir served as director, strike aircraft, weapons and carrier programs on the chief of naval operations staff (N880) from August 2009 to September 2011. From 2013 to 2016, he was the Director for Air Warfare, OPNAV N98 responsible for building and budgeting for naval aviation requirements. One of Manazir's key undertakings as OPNAV's Director of Air Warfare was to develop the framework and strategic planning for Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air (NIFC-CA), which establishes best practices and tactical procedures for future air warfare.

From June 2016 until his retirement in July 2017, Manazir served as the deputy chief of naval operations for warfare systems, OPNAV N9. In that role, he was responsible for facilitating training, maintenance, and modernization of the Navy's warfare systems.

Manazir has represented a multifaceted initiative to sustain the Navy's global presence that protects U.S. citizens and interests around the world, with an eye toward continuing the success of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan.

Civilian career

In 2017, Manazir joined The Boeing Company as a vice president. He began in Government Operations as vice president, Navy Systems, representing Boeing's products and services with the U.S. Navy leadership. Manazir's role as Vice President of Business Development Lead for Boeing Global Services (BGS) includes working with industry and government leaders to enhance awareness on the roles Boeing can play in the pursuit of national security policy solutions. Manazir has played a key role in Boeing's successful campaign strategies for the F/A-18 Super Hornet, MQ-25 Stingray, and the E-7 Wedgetail.

Manazir is the Executive Chairman of the National Defense University Foundation. the Association of Naval Aviation, and the National Capital Region Navy League.

Manazir has made various videos explaining his exploits, including on Aircrew Interview and Ward Carroll's YouTube channels.

Awards and accolades Manazir has received various personal and campaign awards including the Navy distinguished Service Medal, six Legions of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, and two Strike Flight Air Medals.

Naval Aviator BadgeLegion of Merit w/ 5 gold award starDefense Meritorious Service Medal w/ 1 oak leaf clusterMeritorious Service Medal w/ 1 award starsAir Medal with award numeral 2Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/ 2 award starsNavy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/ 1 award starJoint Meritorious Unit Award w/ 1 oak leaf clusterNavy Unit CommendationNavy Meritorious Unit Commendation w/ 2 bronze service starsNavy "E" Ribbon with wreathed Battle E deviceNational Defense Service Medal with 1 service starArmed Forces Expeditionary Medal with 1 service starSouthwest Asia Service Medal with 2 service starsGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalNavy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon w/ 2 silver service stars and 3 bronze service starsNavy Sea Service Deployment RibbonKuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)Navy Expert Pistol Shot MedalCommand at Sea insigniaOffice of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge