Robert Joseph Natter

Admiral, U.S. Navy

Robert Joseph Natter was born 9 April 1945 at his home in Trussville, AL. He enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve at the age of 17 as a Seaman Recruit. After one year of enlisted service, he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, and graduated in 1967, receiving a commission as an Ensign.

Natter's service at sea included Department Head tours in a Costal Minesweeper and Frigate, and Executive Officer tours in two Amphibious Tank Landing Ships and a Spruance Destroyer. He was Officer-in-Charge of a Naval Special Warfare detachment in Vietnam and commanded USS Chandler (DDG-996), USS Antietam (CG-54), and the U.S. Seventh Fleet.

Shore assignments included Company Officer and later Flag Secretary to the Superintendent at the U.S. Naval Academy; Executive Assistant to the Director of Naval Warfare in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV); staff member for the House Armed Services Committee of the 100th Congress of the U.S.; Executive Assistant to the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Executive Assistant to the Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, during Operation Desert Storm; Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel for officer and enlisted personnel assignments; Chief on the Navy's Legislative Affairs organization; Director for Space, Information Warfare, Command and Control (OPNAV N6), and the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Plans, Policy and Operations (OPNAV N3/N5).

On 1 September 2000, Natter was promoted to the four-star rank of Admiral and assigned as Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (CINCLANTFLT). In 2001 he was also assigned as Commander, Fleet Forces Command (COMFLTFORCOM). In 2002, the assignment changed to Commander, Fleet Forces Command and Commander, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (COMFLTFORCOM / COMLANTFLT).

Natter was a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval War College and has Masters Degrees in both Business Management and International Relations. In May 2000, he was awarded the Naval War College Distinguished Graduate Leadership Award.

Admiral Natter retired from the Navy in 2003.

Medals and Awards

Silver Star Medal
Navy Distinguished Service Medal (3 Awards)
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit (5 Awards)
Bronze Star Medal with Combat "Valor" Device
Purple Heart
Meritorious Service Medal (2 Awards)
Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "Valor" Device
Navy Achievement Medal with Combat "Valor" Device
Order of the Rising Sun (Japan)
Order of National Security Medal (Republic of Korea)

Honors

• Recipient of the 2003 Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

• Recipient of the 2003 Ted Williams Military Achievement Award.

• Recipient of the 2004 Naval Order of the U.S. Distinguished Sea Service Award.

In Retirement

Natter joined the board of directors of United Defense Industries in 2004. He is also President of R.J. Natter & Associates, LLC, a consulting firm, serves on the McDonald's Corporation Advisory Board, and is Chairman of the U.S. Naval Academy's Distinguished Graduate Selection Committee.