As the Navy's Vice Chief of Operations, Bill Lescher has cultivated a reputation that exemplifies courage, honor, service, and selflessness. Admiral Lescher has a lengthy history of service to his country, his fellow service members, and his passions. He is well-educated, well-trained, and quite capable of commanding attention. Although he was born in Highland Park, Illinois, his Navy service has allowed him to travel and gain a better understanding of the world and each person's role in fostering positive change.

His efforts within the Navy influenced the creation of leadership programs that encourage exceptional performance through the consistent application of problem-solving and proven leadership qualities. His extensive academic background has equipped him with the theoretical and practical knowledge required to see transformation through at any stage of the process and in any setting.

Academic Background of Lester

William Lescher's academic career began with degrees in systems and aeronautical engineering from the Naval Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School. In addition, he holds a Master of Business Administration from the esteemed Harvard Business School. This background has enabled him to excel in his military career by equipping him with the necessary skill set for promotion. Training in rotary wing, fixed wing, and Naval Test Pilot School, from which he graduated with honor, equipped him to pilot helicopters.

Admiral Lescher's Military History

During his first operational tours, Bill Lescher was deployed to the Middle East aboard the USS O'Bannon (DD 987) with the HSL-36 and HSL-44 Lamplighters and Swampfoxes. Additionally, he served on the USS Capodanno (FF 1093), USS Clard (FFG 11), and USS Elrod (FFG 55). He worked as an engineering test pilot at the Naval Air Warfare Center when he was on land. There, he led the SH-60B Seahawk developmental test team in the initial launch of guided missiles from a Navy helicopter.

Leadership Functions

Admiral Lescher was given command of the Airwolves of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light (HSL) Squadron 40, the Vipers of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light (HSL) Squadron 48, and the Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing of the Atlantic Fleet. He was also the executive officer of the USS Inchon Mine Countermeasures Command and Control Ship (MCS 12). As a flag officer, he was given command of Bahrain's Task Forces 51/59 and Expeditionary Strike Group 5. He commanded multiple Marine Expeditionary Units and Amphibious Ready Groups in this capacity. As part of counter-terrorism and contingency response missions, he also led the forward staging base USS Ponce (AFSB (I)-15) in the Middle East.

Lescher has been selected for several leadership positions after earning the respect of his military peers and those indebted to him for his service to the country. These consist of:

Director of Fiscal Management for the United States Navy Deputy Director for Resources and Acquisition of the Joint Staff Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Budget

United States Navy Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Capabilities and Resources Integration
Vice Chief of Naval Operations Honors and Awards for William Lescher

Lescher's impressive military career and service have earned him numerous awards and accomplishments. These consist of:

HSL Pilot of the Year for the Association of Naval Aviation
Regional Pilot of the Year by the Naval Helicopter Association
Rotary Wing Test Pilot of the Year at the Naval Air Warfare Center.
A Navy Distinguished Service Medal with one award star in gold.
Three award stars on a Medal of Meritorious Service
The Defense Superior Service Medal bearing two oak leaf bronze clusters.
The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal for Admiral Lescher's Professional Accomplishments

As a result of his efforts, the Navy released the Get Real, Get Better structure, which will facilitate the Navy's transition into a new era of military presence. His insight demanded that all military leaders and service members evaluate their individual and collective performance in a transparent manner. Admiral Lescher led efforts to shift the mindset toward self-correction using best practices and problem-solving techniques at the most fundamental levels. He also advocated holding individuals accountable for the success or failure of the organization at each level of operation. His leadership inspired the Navy to achieve world-class standards of performance.

In his role as Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Lescher has had to make difficult decisions in order to fulfill his mission of ensuring transparency and accountability. The Navy investigated a fuel leak at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in April 2022. This release occurred only four months after a previous leak at the same facility contaminated the drinking water of thousands of military families. He was also present when a fire destroyed the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard outside of San Diego.

Bill Lescher's military career has been based on his integrity and work ethic, and his leadership style requires the same of his peers and subordinates. Admiral Lescher, as the longest-serving current Naval Academy graduate, embraces the nickname "The Old Goat" and strives to live up to its significance.