Leon A. Edney

Admiral Leon A. "Bud" Edney was commissioned as an Ensign in 1957, following his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy. Designated a naval aviator in 1958, Admiral Edney's first operational flying tours were with Air Antisubmarine Squadrons 27 and 24. After earning a Master of Science Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University in 1963, he served a two-year tour in Washington, D.C., as a Special Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Research and Development.

In 1965, Admiral Edney transitioned to light attack jet aircraft and was assigned to Attack Squadron 164. In 1970, Admiral Edney was assigned to the Staff of the Chief of Naval Operations as the Western Hemisphere Plans Officer in the Political-Military Plans Division. He was selected White House Fellow in 1970 and served as a Special Assistant Secretary of Transportation. In 1971, Admiral Edney was named Executive Officer of Attack Squadron 27 and assumed command of the squadron the following year.

Admiral Edney assumed command of Carrier Air Wing TWO embarked in the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CVA-61) in 1974. In 1976, he became Commander Carrier Air Wing Two. Two years later, he became commanding officer of the USS Ponchatoula (AO-148) In January 1980, he assumed command of the USS Constellation (CV-64).

Admiral Edney became the Commandant of Midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1981. While at the Academy, he gained a reputation as a stern disciplinarian. He reinstituted weekly dress parades on Worden Field. He ignored (and even tolerated) hazing complaints. In March 1984, he became Commander, Carrier Group ONE. His next major assignments were as Director, Office of Program Appraisal for the Secretary of the Navy, and Director, Aviation Plans and Requirements. In 1987, he became Chief of Naval Personnel, and then Vice Chief of Naval Operations in 1988.

NATO Role

In May 1990, Admiral Edney assumed duties as NATO's Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic and Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Command. He retired from that position in August 1992.

Awards and Decorations

Admiral Edney's decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal w/ Gold Star, Legion of Merit w/2 Gold Stars, Distinguished Flying Cross w/4 Gold Stars, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal w/Gold Star, Air Medal w/Gold 6 Numeral and Bronze Numeral "30", Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" and 2 Gold Stars, the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat "V", and numerous foreign decorations, including the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with gold star.

During his career Admiral Edney accumulated more than 5,600 flight hours, flown 340 combat sorties, and made more than 1,000 carrier landings.

Current Activities

In addition to his duties as a Capstone Senior Fellow, Admiral Edney serves as a Senior Fellow at the Center for Naval Analyses, and is Director of the Armed Forces Benefit Services, Inc. and The Retired Officers Association.

Admiral Edney also serves on the Board of Advisors for The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs.