President Barack Obama recently nominated Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, Class of 1977, to head the United States Fleet Force Command, which organizes, mans, trains, maintains and equips Navy forces and develops and submits budgets.

Gortney graduated from Elon University with a Bachelors of Arts in history and political science.

Although Gortney initially intended to pursue a career in law upon graduation, he has served the nation since first entering the Navy in 1977. His father’s experience as a Navy officer and Naval aviator motivated Gortney to enter the service, he said.

“I had no intention of making it a career,” he said. “It was just something I wanted to do until I figured out what I wanted to do with my life. I’m still determining that.”

Currently, Gortney is waiting for the Senate to confirm the president’s nomination.

The Senate Armed Service Committee reviews the package and nomination. Sometimes, applicants have to testify to the committee.Once the Senate Armed Service Committee approves the nomination, the vote goes to the Senate floor.

According to Gortney, there is no definite timeline and the approval process can take anywhere from three days to three to four months.

“If the Senate confirms me, I will be lucky enough to serve in uniform for a few more years,” Gortney said.

The position of U.S. Fleet Force Command commander would require Gortney to prepare the naval forces that deploy and help execute the nation’s mission.

Gortney said his previous experience working overseas in the joint world prepares him for the challenges associated with the anticipated position.

[quote] If the Senate confirms me, I will be lucky enough to serve in uniform for a few more years.[/quote]

Nevertheless, he said he predicts the current defense budget will pose a challenge leading U.S. Fleet Force Command.

“There is a huge reduction in the Department of Defense budget, so it will be a challenge to make sure that we send our sailors on ship and on the missions that the Navy does overseas, and that I will be able to man, train and equip them to the highest standards and do it within budget,” Gortney said. “That will be the challenge.”

Despite the expected obstacle, he cannot prepare to address the obstacles until the Senate confirms the nomination.

“We can never presuppose confirmation of the Senate,”hesaid. “I hope to go down there and take command, but nothing is certain until the Senate confirms this and then I have a change command and assume command.”

The U.S. Fleet Force Command supports both the Chief of Naval Operations and Combatant Commanders.

Gortney currently serves as director of joint staff and has a long history with the Navy.

“Chief of Naval Operations think I have what it takes to do the job,” he said. “The secretary of defense and the president agree, so let’s hope the Senate will as well. Let’s hope my past performance gives them the confidence that I will do a good job.”

He has received numerous medals, including the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star and three Meritorious Service medals, among other awards.

Gortney delivered the 121st commencement address to the Elon graduating Class of 2011.