Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
Commander (August 27, 1988 - December 15, 1990) 
Vice Admiral Robert Kihune Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (August 1988 - December 1990)
 Robert Kihune graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1959, with a Bachelor of Science degree in marine engineering, followed by a graduate degree in electrical engineering in 1965.

During the Vietnam War, Kihune commanded a guided missile destroyer that conducted nightly strikes against North Vietnam while successfully dodging hundreds of rounds of enemy fire without sustaining damage. Kihune was awarded a Legion of Merit with a combat "V" for gallantry.  Kihune’s sea duty tours also included command of two aircraft carrier battle groups, the USS Kitty Hawk and USS Nimitz, as well as the USS New Jersey battleship group.

His significant ashore tours included Assistant Chief of Naval Operations for Surface Warfare at the Pentagon and Commander of the Naval Surface Forces of the Pacific Fleet. Additionally, he was Chief of Naval Education and Training responsible for all technical school house training in the U.S. Navy, including flight training and recruit training.

After 35 years of distinguished service, Kihune retired from the Navy in 1994 with the rank of Vice Admiral.  Vice Admiral Kihune was the first Hawaiian Vice Admiral. After serving thirty-five years, Kihune retired in 1994.
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