Rear Admiral Joseph Burns, who recently passed away, served with distinction as the 40th Commander of the Naval Security Group. He led the organization from September 2001 until 29 October 2004, a period marked by significant challenges and transformation within the cryptologic and information warfare communities. Under his leadership, the Naval Security Group continued its vital mission of providing timely, accurate, and relevant cryptologic support to the Navy and the joint force.

RADM Burns’s tenure was characterized by his dedication to advancing the capabilities of naval cryptology, strengthening the force, and preparing Sailors to meet the evolving demands of 21st-century warfare. His leadership left a lasting impact on the community and the Navy as a whole.

The following biography reflects the life and service of RADM Joseph Burns.

Rear Admiral Joseph D. Burns, USN, (Ret.)

Rear Admiral Joseph D. Burns, is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and graduated from St. Joseph’s College in 1968. Following Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, Rear Admiral Burns was commissioned an Ensign in 1969. He was then assigned to the Defense Language Institute, Monterey, California, where he attended Chinese Mandarin language school. His first permanent duty assignment was to the Naval Communications Station, Philippines. During that assignment, he served as a Communications Evaluator with VQ-1 in Danang, South Vietnam.

In 1971, Rear Admiral Burns was assigned to Naval Security Group Headquarters, where he worked in the CLASSIC OUTBOARD project office. He then transferred to Stuttgart, Germany, where he served as a Watch Officer and analyst with NCEUR/ISS.

Rear Admiral Burns returned to the States in 1977 and was assigned to the Naval Technical Training Center, Pensacola, Florida. A tour with Naval Military Personnel Command followed, where he served as the Cryptologic Officer Detailer.

Rear Admiral Burns graduated from the National War College in 1983. He then reported to Naval Communications Station, Rota, Spain, where he served as the Naval Security Group Department Head. A tour on the Staff of Commander, Sixth Fleet was completed in 1987. In September 1987, he assumed command of Naval Technical Training Center, Corry Station, Pensacola, Florida. In July of 1990, Rear Admiral Burns was assigned to the Staff of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet/Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Command as the Director for Cryptology. He also served as the Director, Naval Security Group Atlantic; Officer in Charge, Cryptologic Support Group; Officer in Charge, Naval Security Group Detachment, Norfolk; and as the NSA/CSS Representative to the Atlantic Command. He served as Deputy Commander Naval Security Group Command from August 1993 to June 1998. In July 1998, RADM Burns became the Deputy Director for Plans, Policy and Programs before transitioning to NSA Chief of Staff in November 2000. He assumed his current position in September 2001.

Rear Admiral Burns’ military decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with 2 Gold Stars, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, the Air Medal with one Flight Strike award, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star, and the Navy Achievement Medal with two Gold Stars and the Combat “V”.

Rear Admiral Burns is married to the former Bernadette Mooney of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They have two daughters, Clare and Tess.

Since his retirement, Rear Admiral Burns has been working for BAE Systems in Reston, Virginia. He is currently the Vice President for Strategic Markets within the National Security Solutions line of business.