From SEAL Platoons to the Interagency: Leadership Lessons from a Career in National Security

Retired Vice Admiral Howe served over 35 years in the military, surrounded by some of the best leaders in the country. In this presentation, he will reflect on the personal and professional leadership lessons he learned from them at the tactical, operational and strategic levels of our national security enterprise. 

Vice Admiral P. Gardner Howe III retired from the U.S. Navy in 2019 after serving as the associate director for military affairs at the CIA. Over his 36-year career, Howe served in Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) and joint special operations, commanding Naval Special Warfare Unit THREE in Bahrain, Naval Special Warfare Group THREE in San Diego, and Special Operations Command, Pacific in Hawaii. His overseas service included deployments to the western Pacific and Southwest Asia and participation in Operations Earnest Will, Provide Promise, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.

Howe’s key staff roles included president of the U.S. Naval War College and director of legislative affairs for U.S. Special Operations Command. Post-military, he serves on the boards of Gold Star Sailing, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island, and he is involved with the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Sailing Council. A Jacksonville, FL native, Howe graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and holds master’s degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School and National War College. He and his wife Erin reside in Newport, Rhode Island.