Paul Severin Giarra, a distinguished graduate of South Kent School’s class of 1967 and Head Prefect, embarked on a notable career in the US Navy. Commissioned through NROTC upon graduation from Harvard, Paul served with dedication and rose through the ranks to achieve the rank of Commander.
At South Kent, Paul competed in intramural Hockey for four years, Crew for three years (and went on to row as a varsity oarsman at Harvard), Football for four years (including the 1966 undefeated Varsity team), and baseball for one. Paul was in the Glee Club, Selections, Dramatics, and Nativity Play. Paul made Honor Roll four years, was a member of the Cum Laude Society, and received the NMSQT Letter of Commendation and the Harvard Prize.
Throughout his career, Commander Giarra exemplified leadership, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to service. He contributed significantly to various naval operations and missions, demonstrating exceptional skill and strategic acumen.
During his Navy career, he was a naval aviator, naval strategic planner, and a political-military strategic planner for Far East, South Asia and Pacific issues. He served in two ships, two squadrons, attended two war colleges, and served on two major staffs.
CDR Giarra was assigned to the Strategic Concepts Group (OP-603) on the Staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, responsible for the formation of global naval strategy and policy, strategic wargaming, regional strategy, and Navy strategic planning in Asia. He was awarded the Navy Meritorious Service Medal for his leading role in re-orienting Navy strategic and programmatic priorities at the end of the Cold War.
Paul Giarra was the Senior Country Director for Japan in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. He led the interagency in the DoD effort to restructure U.S. national security policy toward Japan during a period of profound transition. When he was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, his achievements were described as “of historic significance” by Secretary of Defense William Perry.
After many years of honorable service, Commander Paul Giarra retired from the US Navy, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and valor.