Richard K. Gallagher
Richard K. Gallagher
Richard Gallagher was born in Traverse City in 1952. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1976 and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1977. Operational tours in fighter squadrons and carrier air wings followed. He commanded Fighter Squadron 142 during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Navy Fighter Weapons School, the amphibious assault ship USS Inchon and the aircraft carrier USS John C Stennis. He served as Commander, Carrier Strike Force Training Atlantic, with NATO (Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Policy), Headquarters US European Command’s Director of the European Plans and Operations Center, and Deputy Commander, US European Command.
Vice Admiral Gallagher retired in 2012 as US Military Representative, NATO Military Committee. Decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (2), Defense Superior Service Medal (2), Legion of Merit (4), Meritorious Service Medal (2), and various cam-paign and service awards. Dick logged over 4,000 flight hours in the F-4, F-14, FA-18 and F-16N aircraft, with 800 carrier landings. He was inducted into the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame in 2013.