Michael Mullen

### Who / What

Michael "Mike" Mullen is a retired United States Navy four-star admiral who served as the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was the principal military advisor to the President and the Secretary of Defense.

### Background & History

Born on October 4, 1946, Mullen rose through the ranks of the U.S. Navy, becoming the 32nd Vice Chief of Naval Operations in 2003. He subsequently commanded United States Naval Forces Europe and Africa, as well as Allied Joint Force Command Naples, from 2004 to 2005. Mullen served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from October 2007 until his retirement in September 2011.

### Why Notable

Admiral Mullen is notable for serving as the highest-ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces during a critical period that included the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He played a key role in shaping U.S. military strategy and advocating for modernization and readiness. His tenure also emphasized strengthening international military partnerships and addressing complex global security challenges.

### In the News

As a retired senior military leader, Mullen occasionally provides commentary on national security and defense policy. His insights remain relevant in discussions about contemporary military affairs and strategic direction.

### Key Facts

**Type:** Person

**Also known as:** Mike Mullen

**Born:** October 4, 1946

**Key dates:**

2003–2004: Vice Chief of Naval Operations

2004–2005: Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa & Allied Joint Force Command Naples

2007–2011: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

**Geography:** United States

**Affiliation:** United States Navy, Department of Defense

### Links

[Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Mullen)

Sources

• 🔗 Wikipedia

Michael Glenn "Mike" Mullen (born 4 October 1946) is a retired United States Navy admiral who served as the 17th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from October 2007 to September 2011. Mullen was the 32nd vice chief of naval operations from August 2003 to August 2004. He then was the commander of both the United States Naval Forces Europe and Africa and the Allied Joint Force Command Naples from October 2004 to May 2005.