ADM Caldwell ’81 Passes Old Goat Award to ADM Aquilino ’84

Admiral John C. Aquilino ’84, USN, received the Old Goat Award from Admiral James F. Caldwell ’81, USN, on 9 January 2024 at the Pentagon. The Old Goat Award is given to the longest serving Naval Academy graduate on active duty. “It has been my absolute privilege to serve as the Old Goat for the last year and a half,” Caldwell said. “Admiral ‘Lung’ Aquilino is an amazing leader and the consummate warfighter. He’ll make an excellent Old Goat while continuing to serve our Navy and our Nation. ’81 Sir!”

Aquilino accepted the award with a bit of humor. “Everyone already calls me an old goat, I guess this just formalizes it,” he said. “I receive this award behalf of the entire proud Naval Academy class of 1984, all of whom, I can assure you, would be surprised that I am the last man standing. It has been the honor of my life, and I can think of no greater career than as a fighter pilot in service of the United States Navy. “I want to thank Admiral Frank Caldwell for his service and leadership for over 40 years in uniform in the greatest Navy in the world. Thank you, Naval Academy Alumni Association for this award, I cannot wait to pass it on.” The Old Goat Award started with Rear Admiral Alton Stocks ’72, USN (Ret.).