During his time in the Navy, he served in a variety of posts including commander of the amphibious flagship USS Tripoli (LPH 10), executive officer of Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), and commander of the "Screaming Eagles" of Fighter Squadron 51. During the Persian Gulf, under his command, USS Tripoli received a Navy Unit Commendation. As a flag officer, Mr. Willard twice served on the Joint Staff; was deputy and chief of staff for the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; commanded Carrier Group Five aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63); and commanded the U.S. Seventh Fleet in Yokosuka, Japan. In March 2005, Mr. Willard became the 34th vice chief of Naval Operations; in May 2007, he assumed command of the U.S. Pacific Fleet; and on October 19, 2009, he became the commander, U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii. Mr. Willard’s decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and various other awards.