Old Goat


In United States Naval Academy terminology, the Old Goat is the longest-serving Naval Academy graduate on active duty. Since 2014, the designation has been accompanied by an award created by a previous Old Goat, Rear Admiral Alton L. Stocks. The award - a crystal decanter engraved with the initials and class years of previous holders - is passed to a new Old Goat upon the current holder's retirement. There have been eight Old Goats so awarded, each after more than 35 years' service to the U.S. Navy.

Award Recipients

The current Old Goat is Vice Admiral Bill Lescher, who received the award from Admiral Kurt W. Tidd, former Commander, U.S. Southern Command. Tidd was also the Navy's "Old Salt" - the active-duy Navy officer with the longest-standing surface warfare qualification. The prior holder, ADM Harry B. Harris Jr., passed on the title to ADM Tidd in a presentation ceremony, 11 April 2018, citing his intent to retire in June.

Class of 1978

The Naval Academy's Class of 1978 is notable for producing four full admirals, a distinction shared by only four prior USNA classes since the Academy's founding in 1845. As of 11 April 2018, all four admirals of the Class of 1978 have been recognized as the Old Goat.