Robert P. Burke

Robert Peter Burke (born 1962) is a retired United States Navy admiral and convicted criminal who served as the commander of United States Naval Forces Europe-Africa and Allied Joint Force Command Naples from 17 July 2020 to 27 June 2022. He was the 58th Chief of Naval Personnel from 27 May 2016 to 23 May 2019 and Vice Chief of Naval Operations from 10 June 2019 until 29 May 2020.

On May 31, 2024, Burke was arrested on charges of taking bribes while serving as commander of U.S Naval Forces Europe-Africa. On May 19, 2025 Burke was convicted on all charges, and on September 16, 2025, he was sentenced to six years in prison.

Early life and education Burke was raised in Portage, Michigan. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering from Western Michigan University and the University of Central Florida.

Naval career Burke's operational assignments included service in attack and ballistic missile submarines, including , , and . He deployed to the Arctic, north Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Western Pacific.

Burke commanded in Norfolk, Virginia, and was commodore of Submarine Development Squadron (DEVRON) 12 in Groton, Connecticut. During his tenure as commanding officer, Burke was recognized by the United States Submarine League with the Jack Darby Award for Leadership for 2004, and the Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Award for Inspirational Leadership for 2005.

Burke's staff assignments included tours as an instructor and director of the Officer Department Electrical Engineering Division at Naval Nuclear Power School in Orlando, Florida; junior board member on the Pacific Fleet Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board; and as the Submarine Officer Community manager/Nuclear Officer Program manager in the office of the Director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy Division (N13).

Following command, Burke held assignments as a senior member, Tactical Readiness Evaluation Team, on the staff of Commander, Submarine Force, United States Atlantic Fleet; as the deputy director for Operations, Strategy and Policy Directorate (J5), at United States Joint Forces Command; as the division director, Submarine/Nuclear Power Distribution (PERS-42) and Nuclear Propulsion Program Manager (N133), Director, Joint and Fleet Operations (N3/N5), The United States Fleet Forces Command; and deputy commander, United States Sixth Fleet, director of Operations (N3), United States Naval Forces Europe-Africa and commander, Submarine Group 8.

Burke was awarded an Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia on 24 August 2020; his citation reads: "For distinguished service in strengthening the military alliance between Australia and the United States of America".

Burke retired from active duty in 2022.

Next Jump and arrest

After retiring from the Navy, Burke took a job at Next Jump, a provider of services to companies.

Burke was arrested on 31 May 2024. A press release by the Department of Justice said he allegedly steered a Navy contract toward a company—apparently Next Jump—in exchange for a post-retirement job. Next Jump co-CEOs Charles Kim and Meghan Messenger were arrested as well.

Awards and decorations

Officer Submarine Warfare insigniaDefense Distinguished Service Medal | Navy Distinguished Service Medal with one gold award starDefense Superior Service MedalLegion of Merit with four award starsMeritorious Service Medal with two award starsNavy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two award starsNavy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two award starsJoint Meritorious Unit AwardCoast Guard Unit Commendation with "O" deviceNavy Meritorious Unit Commendation with two bronze service starsNavy E Ribbon (2 awards)Navy Expeditionary MedalNational Defense Service Medal with one bronze service starGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalNavy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with three service starsNavy Arctic Service RibbonNavy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon with service starOrder of Australia, Military Division (Honorary Officer)Navy Pistol Marksmanship RibbonSilver SSBN Deterrent Patrol insignia (14 awards)Command at Sea insigniaAllied Joint Force Command Naples Badge The Naval Submarine League recognized Burke with the Jack Darby Award for Leadership in 2004. Burke also received the Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Award for Inspirational Leadership in 2005.