Background
Petersen, Forrest Silas was born on May 16, 1922 in Holdrege, Nebraska, United States. Son of Elmer Louis and Stella Bell (Nickels) Petersen.
Petersen, Forrest Silas was born on May 16, 1922 in Holdrege, Nebraska, United States. Son of Elmer Louis and Stella Bell (Nickels) Petersen.
Student, University Nebraska, 1940. Bachelor of Science, United States Naval Academy, 1944. Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, United States Naval Postgraduate School, 1952.
Master of Science in Engineering, Princeton University, 1953.
Commissioned ensign, United States Navy, 1944; advanced through grades to vice admiral, United States Navy, 1976; designated naval aviator, 1947; assigned fighter squadrons, 1947-1950, 53-56; instructor, Naval Test Pilot School, 1956-1958; research pilot X-15 plane, 1958-1962; commanding officer, Fighter Squadron 154, 1962; with naval reactors branch, Atomic Energy Commission, 1963; Executive officer United States Ship Enterprise, 1964-1966; with, Office Chief Naval Operations, Washington, 1966-1967; commanding officer United States Ship Bexar, 1967-1968; commanding officer United States Ship Enterprise, 1969-1971; assistant director strategic and support systems test and evaluation, DDR&E, Department Defense, 1972-1974; commander attack carrier striking forces, 6th Fleet, 1974-1975; vice chief, Naval Material, 1975-1976; deputy chief naval operations (air warfare), 1976; commander Naval Air Systems Command, 1976-1980; president Petersen Baldwin Enterprises, Inc., Georgetown, South Carolina., 1980-1990.
Fellow American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Member Society Experimental Test Pilots, National Society Aerospace Professionals (Montgomery award 1962), National Aeronautical Association.
Married Jean Baldwin Carter, June 17, 1978.