A retired four-star admiral who served as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, providing strategic military guidance to the US government. He's known for his leadership during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Michael Glenn Mullen, born on October 4, 1946, is a retired United States Navy admiral who served as the 17th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2007 to 2011. He is renowned for his exceptional leadership qualities, strategic vision, and commitment to public service.
Mullen's early life was marked by a strong sense of duty and responsibility. He was born in Los Angeles to Mary Jane Glenn, an assistant to comedian Jimmy Durante, and Hollywood press agent John Edward Jack Mullen. He attended St. Charles Borromeo Church School in North Hollywood and graduated from Notre Dame High School, Sherman Oaks in 1964.
Mullen's academic pursuits took him to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1968. His time at the Naval Academy was marked by distinct leadership qualities, as noted in his college yearbook, the 1968 Lucky Bag: "With his congeniality, he displayed fine leadership qualities. With his well-rounded personality, his enthusiasm, and his desire to do his best, Navy-Air is indeed getting an outstanding officer."
Mullen's naval career spanned over four decades, marked by numerous command positions and strategic appointments. He served as the 32nd vice chief of Naval Operations from 2003 to 2004 and then as the commander of both the U.S. Naval Forces Europe and the Allied Joint Force Command Naples from 2004 to 2005.
From 2005 to 2007, Mullen served as the Navy's 28th chief of Naval Operations, a position that laid the foundation for his subsequent role as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
As the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mullen was the highest-ranking officer in the U.S. Armed Forces, providing counsel to the President and the Secretary of Defense. During his tenure, he diversified the top ranks of the Pentagon, promoting a culture of inclusion and diversity.
Since his retirement from the Navy in 2011, Mullen has continued to serve the public through various academic and advisory roles. He has been a visiting professor at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs since 2012, sharing his expertise with the next generation of leaders.
Michael Mullen's legacy is characterized by his unwavering commitment to public service, his strategic vision, and his leadership acumen. He has left an indelible mark on the U.S. military and has inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in public service.
Through his extraordinary career, Michael Mullen has demonstrated the highest standards of leadership, duty, and service, inspiring generations to come.
82 Years Old
The 22nd United States Secretary of Defense, serving from 2006 to 2011, is a highly respected figure in American politics and defense, known for his pragmatic approach to national security and foreign policy. He's also a renowned academic and author, having served as the president of Texas A&M University.
88 Years Old
The 23rd United States Secretary of Defense, a key figure in shaping national security policies and overseeing military operations, known for his leadership during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
73 Years Old
A highly decorated four-star general who led the US military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, later becoming the head of the CIA, known for his strategic thinking and leadership.
Born in 1866
The 29th Premier of Victoria, serving from 1924 to 1927, is most known for his role in shaping the state's economic and social policies during the 1920s. He's also remembered for his efforts to develop Victoria's infrastructure, particularly in the areas of transportation and education.
72 Years Old
A four-star general who led the Joint Special Operations Command and later served as the commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, known for his counterinsurgency strategy and leadership.
79 Years Old
A decorated war veteran who served as the 24th US Secretary of Defense, overseeing the country's military operations and strategy. He's known for his bipartisan approach to politics and foreign policy.