Press Release: The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of Lieutenant General Duane D. Thiessen, USMC (Ret) as the new President and CEO of the Foundation beginning June 4, 2013. He replaces Vice Admiral Gerald L. Hoewing, USN (Ret) who is transitioning to President Emeritus on May 22, 2013.
A special selection committee led by Admiral Mark Fitzgerald, USN (Ret) narrowed the field of candidates who were interviewed by the committee that also included Admiral Hoewing and the Foundation’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Patrick Finneran. On May 7th, the recommendation to hire General Thiessen was unanimously approved by the Foundation Board of Directors.
General Thiessen is a Naval Aviator and proven leader with a passion for Naval Aviation. He has the operational experience and strong connections with the military and Washington, DC to protect and promote the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation’s mission to inspire, engage and educate the public on the proud history and heritage of Naval Aviation.
General Thiessen is a graduate of the Naval Command and Staff College and Naval War College. He has completed numerous deployments in the Mediterranean and Okinawa, Japan and was an instructor at Marine Aviation and Tactics Squadron One. He commanded at the squadron, aircraft group and air wing level and served as Commander of U.S. Marine Forces in Korea and as Deputy Commandant of the Marine Corps for Programs and Resources. His final military assignment was Commander Fleet Marine Forces, Pacific before he retired from the Marine Corps in 2012 after 38 years of service. General Theissen and his wife, Lynn, are excited about becoming part of the community and the opportunity to lead the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation.
