 Prior to that, he served as the 34th Vice Chief of Naval Operations from March 18, 2005, to April 2007.On March 9, 2012, Admiral Willard retired from the Navy after 39 years of service.On May 9, 2012, he was elected president and chief executive officer of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations, succeeding retired Navy admiral James O. Ellis, Jr.

Willard is a Los Angeles native.