Sylvester R. Foley Jr.

Sylvester Robert "Bob" Foley Jr. (September 19, 1928 – December 31, 2019) was a four star admiral in the United States Navy who served as the commander-in-chief of the US Pacific Fleet from 1982 to 1985.

Early life Foley was born in Manchester, New Hampshire. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1950.

Military career Governor of Hawaii George Ariyoshi, Japanese Prime Minister Zenkō Suzuki, and Admiral Foley at a ceremony at Hickam Air Force Base in 1982 during his time as Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet After graduating as a member of the United States Naval Academy's class of 1950, Foley served in the Navy for 35 years. Foley quickly rose through the ranks and held several operational commands during his distinguished naval career. From May 31, 1978 to February 14, 1980, Foley served as commander of the US Seventh Fleet. From May 28, 1982 to September 16, 1985, Foley served as Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Retirement from military Foley retired from the Navy in 1985, at which point he served as President Ronald Reagan's assistant secretary of energy for defense programs, where he had responsibility for the nation's nuclear weapons complex.

In 1988, Foley entered the private sector and was named president of the Advanced Technology Group at ICF Kaiser Engineers. In 1991, he joined the Raytheon Company, where he served as vice president of marketing, president of Raytheon Japan, and vice president of Asian operations.

After retiring from Raytheon, Foley served as a consultant to the departments of defense and energy and was a member of President George W. Bush's energy transition team.

In 2003, Foley was appointed the University of California's vice president for laboratory management. In his role, Foley has responsibility for the university's oversight and management at three national laboratories: Los Alamos, Lawrence Livermore, and Lawrence Berkeley.

Personal life and death Foley earned a master's degree in international affairs from George Washington University in 1968. Additionally, Foley graduated from the Naval War College in 1968 and was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate of the Air War College.

Foley died at his home in Maryland on December 31, 2019, at the age of 91.

Awards and decorations

Naval Aviator BadgeNavy Distinguished Service Medal with one gold award starLegion of MeritDistinguished Flying CrossBronze Star with Combat VMeritorious Service MedalAir Medal with bronze Strike/Flight numeral 9Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat VNavy Presidential Unit CitationNavy Unit CommendationNavy Meritorious Unit CommendationDepartment of Energy, Secretary's Gold Medal for distinguished serviceNavy "E" RibbonNavy Expeditionary MedalWorld War II Victory MedalNavy Occupation Service MedalChina Service MedalNational Defense Service Medal with one bronze service starKorean Service MedalArmed Forces Expeditionary MedalVietnam Service Medal with four service starsVietnam Navy Distinguished Service Order, 2nd classOrder of National Security Merit, 2nd Class (Republic of Korea)Order of the Cloud and Banner, 2nd class (Republic of China)Order of the Rising Sun, Grand Cordon (Japan)Legion of Honour, degree unknown (France)Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit CitationKorean Presidential Unit CitationUnited Nations Korea MedalVietnam Campaign MedalNavy Rifle Marksmanship RibbonNavy Pistol Marksmanship RibbonOffice of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge