Joseph F. Bouchard (born July 17, 1954) is a former United States Navy captain who retired in 2003 after 27 years on active duty. He commanded the destroyer and Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base.
Education
Bouchard graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy, where he majored in international security affairs and studied Chinese and Japanese. He earned a Master of Arts degree in national security affairs from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and a Doctor of Philosophy in political science (international relations and strategic studies) from Stanford University. He also is a graduate of:
U.S. Institute of Peace, International Conflict Resolution Skills Training Program, April 1995 Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Seminar XXI Program on Foreign Politics, International Relations, and the National Interest, May 1996 Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies, Port, Company and Ship Security Officer Program
Career
Bouchard was a specialist in strategic and operational planning, including assignments as branch head, Strategy and Concepts Branch, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations; deputy senior director for defense policy and arms control, National Security Council, The White House; and deputy director, Navy Operations Group (Deep Blue), which was responsible for planning the navy's role in the war on terror. At the National Security Council, he was principal author of the National Security Strategy, 1997–1999. He received numerous personal decorations, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the highest non-combat award in the US military.
Bouchard's US Navy assignments included:
February 2003 – September 2003: Director, Navy Reconstitution Group, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, the Pentagon. Additional responsibility as strategic analyst, Deep Blue (Naval Operations Group), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, The Pentagon. Deep Blue was responsible for planning the Navy's role in the war on terrorism. February 2000 – January 2003: Commanding officer, Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia; program manager, regional port operations, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic; chair, Port Operations Integrated Product Team (Navy-wide team sponsored by CNO's staff to enhance management and cost-effectiveness of port operations). January 1997 – January 2000: Deputy senior director for arms control and defense policy, director for defense policy, National Security Council, the White House. March 1995 – February 1997: Branch head, Strategy and Concepts Branch (N513), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, the Pentagon. April 1993 – February 1995: Commanding officer, USS Oldendorf (DD-972), home ported in San Diego, California. Deployed to the Persian Gulf and Western Pacific, January–July 1994. Earned several awards for operational excellence and the “Golden Anchor” award for excellence in personnel management and retention. May 1990 – July 1992: Special assistant and deputy executive assistant to commander in chief, Allied Forces Southern Europe and commander in chief, U.S. Naval Forces Europe. September 1988 – April 1990: Executive officer, USS Paul F. Foster (DD-964), home ported in Long Beach, California. November 1985 – September 1987: Commander, Destroyer Squadron Twenty One Staff, homeported in San Diego, California. Material officer, ASW commander watch officer. April 1984 – October 1985: USS O'Brien (DD 975), home ported in San Diego, California. Engineering officer, tactical action officer. February 1977 – February 1980: USS Lockwood (FF-1064), home ported in Yokosuka, Japan. Antisubmarine warfare officer and nuclear weapons officer.
Bouchard is heavily involved in state, regional and local activities in the areas of national security, adaptation to sea level rise and economic development. He has served on the Secure and Resilient Commonwealth Panel, which advises the governor on homeland security and emergency preparedness, since 2007. He serves on the board of directors of the Virginia Maritime Association and is a member of the advisory committee for the Maritime Institute at Old Dominion University. He has made scores of presentations at international, national and regional conferences, and is a frequent commentator on radio and television on naval matters, national security and sea level rise.