RDML Leigher is now the OPNAV N2/N6F

Rear Admiral William E. Leigher

Director of Concepts, Strategies and Integration for Information Dominance, N2/N6F

Rear Admiral Bill Leigher, a native of Appleton, Maine, graduated from the University of Southern Maine in 1980 with a Bachelor in Political Science degree. He attended the Naval War College, graduating in 1994 with a Master in National Security and Strategic Studies.

In 1981, he was commissioned as an ensign at Officer Candidate School, Newport, R.I. His initial assignment was aboard USS Thorn (DD 988) as a communications officer. In 1984, he reported to the Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport, R.I., as the fleet communications instructor.

In 1987, he was selected for lateral transfer and designated a naval cryptologic officer. Later in 1987, Leigher was assigned to U.S. Naval Security Group Activity Hanza, Okinawa, Japan, as morse and non-morse division officer. In 1990, he was assigned as the staff cryptologist for commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group 2 in Charleston, S.C. During this tour he completed two deployments embarked in USS America (CV 66), which included combat action during Operations Desert Storm, Desert Shield and Southern Watch. In 1992, Leigher was assigned to the Office of Naval Intelligence Detachment, Newport, R.I., as a war-gaming specialist.

In 1995, Leigher was assigned to COMUSNAVEUR in London, England, as the cryptologic operations officer. In 1998, he reported to commander, Naval Security Group Command, Fort Meade, Md., for assignment as deputy director for Information Technology and Communications and was subsequently assigned to the Pentagon as the executive assistant to the deputy director for Cryptology. In 2002 he reported to the National Security Agency as a senior operations officer in the National Security Operations Center. In July 2004 he reported as the deputy director for Information Operations at Naval Network Warfare Command.

He served as director, Information Operations, Washington, D.C. on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations until December 2009. Most recently, he served as the Deputy Commander, Fleet Cyber Command/TENTH Fleet from December 2009 to June 2011.  He reported to his current OPNAV assignment in July 2011.

Leigher wears the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), the Navy Achievement Medal (two awards) and various unit and campaign medals.