Scope and Contents

The collection consists of moving images and electronic media documenting Vice Admiral David Robinson's U.S. Navy service. Also included is an oral history interview conducted with Vice Admiral Robinson.

Biographical / Historical

Vice Admiral David B. Robinson was born on October 26, 1939 in Alexandria, LA. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned as an Ensign on June 5, 1963. From July 1963 to February 1965, he served aboard the USS Stormes. From February to September 1965, he attended Naval Destroyer School in Newport, RI, where he was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade. From September 1965 to July 1967, he served as Engineering Officer aboard the USS Rowan, where he was promoted to Lieutenant. From July 1967 to October 1969, he attended Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA, where he earned a Master's degree in Oceanography. From November 1969 to March 1971, he served as Commanding Officer of the patrol gunboat USS Canon. He was promoted to Lieutenant Commander and awarded the Navy Cross for his actions on 11 August 1970 when his ship came under attack. From March to September 1971, he served as Commanding Officer of the patrol gunboat USS Ready.

After his Vietnam service, he served as Administrative Aide to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon (October 1971 to July 1974), where he was promoted to Commander. He returned to study at Naval Destroyer School (July-October 1974) before serving as Executive Officer of the USS Dale (October 1974 to April 1976). From April 1976 to July 1978, he served as Commanding Officer of the USS Luce. From July 1978 to June 1980, he served as Head of the Surface Commander Administrative Branch of Naval Military Personnel Command, where he was promoted to Captain. From June 1980 to August 1981, he served as Director of the Procedural Control and Fiscal Management Division of Naval Military Personnel Command. From August 1981 to June 1982, he attended the Foreign Service Institute. From January 1983 to July 1984, he served as Commanding Officer of the USS Richmond K. Turner. From July 1984 to May 1985, he served as Aide and Chief of Staff for the Commander of the Naval Surface Fleet Atlantic. From May 1985 to March 1986, he served as Executive Assistant and Senior Aide to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, during which time he was promoted to Rear Admiral (Lower Half). From March to October 1986, he served as Director of the Surface Warfare Manpower and Training Division of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. From October 1986 to July 1988, he served as Director of the Surface Warfare Division of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. From July 1988 to August 1989, he served as Commander of Cruiser Destroyer Group 8, during which time he was promoted to Rear Admiral. From September 1989 to December 1991, he served as Director of Joint Staff (J-7). From January 1992 to April 1993, he served as Deputy and Chief of Staff to the Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet, during which time he was promoted to Vice Admiral. From April 1993 to May 1996, he served as Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet, during which time he was awarded two Navy Distinguished Service Medals. He retired from the U.S. Navy on June 1, 1996.