Richard W. Mies
Richard Willard Mies is a retired United States Navy admiral who served as the fourth Commander in Chief of United States Strategic Command from 1998 to 2001.Naval career
Mies graduated first in his class from the United States Naval Academy in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in mechanical engineering and mathematics. While at the academy, Mies participated in lightweight football and intercollegiate wrestling. He was "all-league" as a football end, and eastern champion as a wrestler.
After completing training for submarine duty, Mies served on two nuclear attack submarines, and, and a ballistic missile submarine, , before commanding the nuclear attack submarine. He has served in various command positions, including: Commander, Submarine Development Squadron Twelve; Commander, Submarine Group Eight; and Commander, Submarine Force United States Atlantic Fleet. His staff positions included Chief of Staff to Commander Submarine Force, United States Pacific Fleet, and Director, Strategic Target Plans and Deputy Director, Plans and Policy on the staff of Commander in Chief, United States Strategic Command. Mies completed postgraduate education at the University of Oxford, England, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and Harvard University. He holds a master's degree in government administration and international relations.
Mies, a Chicago native, is a qualified submariner and naval aviation observer. His personal awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Secretary of Energy Gold Medal.
