The reputation associated with graduating from Purdue with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering was a door opener. The quality of instruction, rigor of the curriculum, and the professors’ insistence on high standards set an enduring tone
Rear Admiral Doug Beal has accumulated 3,844 military flight hours, 55 combat sorties and 472 carrier-arrested landings as a U.S. Naval Aviator. He assumed duties as vice commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet in September 2017.
Beal initially served in Attack Squadron 52, flying the A-6E Intruder and deploying to the Western Pacific aboard USS Carl Vinson and USS Kitty Hawk. After a tour as flag lieutenant for Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, he transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet and served as the strike operations officer for Carrier Air Wing 9 aboard USS Nimitz.
Affiliating with the reserve component in 1999, he continued flying the F/A-18 Hornet with the Hunters of Strike Fighter Squadron 201. In 2002, he deployed with the Hunters aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt for the squadron’s historic combat cruise, supporting the initial phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Beal’s command tours include VFA-201, Training Air Wing 5 Reserve Component, Navy Reserve U.S. 2nd Fleet Carrier Strike Group Augment Unit, Navy Reserve Strike Force Training Atlantic, and Navy Reserve U.S. Fleet Forces Maritime and Air Operations Headquarters. In his previous flag officer assignment, he served as Deputy Commander, Navy Recruiting Command.
Beal is thankful to have served with outstanding Sailors, colleagues and friends whose exceptional teamwork and performance have enabled him to wear the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and Battle ‘E’ (Excellence) awards.
Beal received a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Purdue in 1986. He also holds master’s degrees in Engineering Management from Southern Methodist University and National Security Studies from the National War College.