Capt. Girard is Vice President and Chief of Staff for U.S. Naval War College. He has more than 3,000 flight hours in the F/A-18 aircraft. His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (with Combat “V” distinction), seven Strike-Flight Air Medals, four Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and various unit and campaign decorations.