Vice Adm. John Gumbleton Visits Norwich University During New England Outreach
19 September 2024
NORTHFIELD, Vermont (September 18, 2024) -- Vice Adm. John Gumbleton participated in several outreach events at his alma mater, Norwich University Sept. 18. Commander, Task Force 80 and Deputy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Gumbleton conducted executive engagement with the President of Norwich University, met with the Peace and War Center, and Navy Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC) students.
The purpose of the New England community outreach events was to strengthen relationships with people who are not exposed to Navy personnel, equipment, and missions. Gumbleton expressed excitement about meeting future military leaders.
“I can think on no better way to invest in our future leaders than to meet them in a learning environment that is challenging on so many levels,” said Gumbleton. “The next generation of warfighters, including some enrolled in the ROTC program here at Norwich University, must develop the skills to effectively lead warfighters and advise war planners at the tip of the spear of technological innovation.”
A 1989 graduate of Norwich University, and a native of Falmouth Massachusetts, he earned his commission through the NROTC program. He holds advanced degrees from The George Washington University and the Naval War College.
More than 160 NROTC midshipmen, joined by other students from the university, were present to hear directly from Gumbleton, a senior Navy leader at an operational command.
“It’s an amazing experience to get to meet someone who has walked the same grounds, shared the same experiences, and reached such a high level of success in the military,” said Ens. Dylan Hall, a recent Norwich University graduate awaiting operational orders. “Seeing the product that Norwich produces within the Navy is humbling. It’s nice to see Vice Adm. Gumbleton return to his roots, his alma mater to visit, and share advice for our future military careers.”
U.S. Fleet Forces Command is responsible for manning, training, equipping and employing more than 125 ships, 1,000 aircraft, and 103,000 active duty service members and government employees, and providing combat-ready forces forward to numbered fleets and combatant commanders around the globe in support of U.S. national interests.