Vice Admiral Edward H. Martin
U.S. Navy (Retired). 

A 1954 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Vice Admiral Martin was designated a Naval Aviator in 1955 and subsequently served in numerous carrier based squadrons in both the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets. While on a combat mission over North Vietnam on July 9th 1967, he was shot down near Hanoi by a surface-to-air missile and held there as a POW for nearly six years.
Following repatriation in 1973, he rapidly resumed his career, serving in succession as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air Warfare); Commanding Officer, USS CANISTEO (AO-99); Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier, USS SARATOGA (CV-60); and, as Chief, Current Operations for the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Command.

Upon his promotion to flag rank in 1980, he was assigned as Chief of Naval Air Training; then, as Commander Carrier Group FOUR, and following, as Commander Carrier Group TWO and Commander Task Force SIXTY.

In 1983, he was promoted to Vice Admiral and appointed as Commander, United States Sixth Fleet. In this capacity, he was responsible for all U.S. Naval Operations and NATO activities in the Mediterranean and Levant during the military activities in Lebanon and littoral near Libya.

In 1985, Admiral Martin returned to Washington upon his appointment as the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air Warfare). Subsequently, in 1987, he was appointed as the United States Commander, Eastern Atlantic and the Deputy Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Naval Forces Europe. He served in this capacity until retiring from active duty in June 1989.

His many awards and decorations include: The Distinguished Service Medal (two awards); the Silver Star; Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit (two awards); Distinguished Flying Cross; Bronze Star (two awards); Purple Heart (two awards); and, L'Ordre du Merite (France's second highest award).

Following retirement, Admiral Martin accepted a position and returned to Europe as Director, European Business Development for the Xerox Corporation, Integrated Systems Operations. Late in 1991 he returned to his home in Coronado, California where he is a private investor and president of E. H. Martin Associates, Incorporated. Additionally, he serves on a number of corporate, educational, international, and civic boards. Admiral Martin is a frequent guest lecturer, media commentator and news analyst.

In addition to the U.S. Naval Academy, Admiral Martin is a graduate of the Naval War College, the National War College, and he holds an M.S. Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. He is married to the former Sharron Handly of Coronado, California. They have three adult children.