Major General Robert G. F. Lee Biography

January 27, 2025

Maj. Gen. Robert G.F. Lee was appointed the Adjutant General, State of Hawaii, Department of Defense, on Jan. 1, 2003. His previous assignment was as commanding general of the 9th Regional Support Command, U.S. Army Reserve – Pacific from Feb. 8, 1999, to his appointment as adjutant general. He is the director of State Civil Defense, provides direct support to the Office of Veterans Services, and is the Homeland Security Advisor to the Governor.

In May 1971, Lee, received his commission through ROTC at the University of Hawaii. Upon completion of the Air Defense Artillery Basic Course, he was assigned to the U.S. Army Reserve and served as a platoon leader in the 411th Engineer Battalion and the 322nd Civil Affairs Group.

In 1972, Lee was assigned to the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry, and served in successive assignments as mortar platoon leader, company commander, and battalion operations officer. In 1980, he served two years on active duty assigned to the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry as assistant air operations officer.

In 1982, Lee was reassigned as ground liaison officer in the corps operations staff, IX Corps (Reinforcement). In 1988, he returned to the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry as its commanding officer. In 1991, following command, he served as assistant chief of staff for operations and training, IX Corps (Reinforcement)/9th Army Reserve Command. In 1996, he was appointed as the chief of staff, 9th Army Reserve Command.

Lee served as a member of the Army Reserve Forces Policy Committee from January 2005 to January of 2008. He is currently serving on the Reserve Forces Policy Board to the Secretary of Defense.

Lee’s civilian career includes 27 years of service overhauling nuclear submarines at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard with his final assignment as superintendent of nuclear regional maintenance for the pacific nuclear submarine fleet. He also served as the pacific area general manager for Perot Systems Government Services.

Lee holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Hawaii. He is a licensed professional engineer in mechanical and nuclear engineering. His military education includes the Army War College, the Command and General Staff Officers Course, the Infantry Officer Advanced Course and the Air Force Ground Operations School.

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

Lee and his wife, Judi, have a son, Bryan, and a daughter, Alison.

Last update May 2008

Position Annoucement 2003

Lee Heads Department of Defense

SERVICE FIRST– Maj. Gen. Robert G. F. Lee cuts the first slice of his two-star promotion cake. His wife and mother look on as Clarice Chung readies a plate for the first slice. Master Sgt. Stephen M. Lum photos

LADIES’ CHOICE – Hawaii State Senate confirmed, Maj. Gen. Robert G. F. Lee gets his second star pinned by Gov. Linda Lingle and his wife, Judi, March 3, at the State Capitol.

(Pictures from the 2003 January – March Pūpūkahi)

Just before the New Year, Gov. Linda Lingle announced the appointments of Brig. Gen. Robert G. F. Lee as state adjutant general and Gary M. Ishikawa as the deputy adjutant general. As adjutant general, Lee serves as executive director for the State of Hawaii Department of Defense. Ishikawa assists in overseeing the operations of the department.

“Both of these men are dedicated to ensuring the security of our state and our nation,” said Lingle. “They have excellent leadership experience and the commitment and integrity that will enable them to supervise Hawaii’s armed forces, maintain the readiness of the Hawaii National Guard for state and federal active duty, and coordinate our civil defense activities.”

Lee’s previous assignment was as commander of the 9th Regional Support Command, responsible for the Army Reserves in Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Japan, and Korea. He previously served as chief of staff for the 9th Army Reserve Command and assistant chief of staff for operations and training (G-3), IX Corps (Reinforcement). He also served as commanding officer of the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry.

In his civilian capacity, Lee was the Pacific general manager for Perot Systems Government Services (formerly ADI Technology). A licensed professional engineer in mechanical and nuclear engineering, he is a graduate of McKinley High School. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Hawaii.

“I wish to thank Governor Lingle for providing me the opportunity to serve the people of Hawaii as the state’s adjutant general,” said Lee. “Our dedicated citizen-soldiers and airmen capably defend Hawaii and our nation. On many occasions, they do this far beyond our shores, separated from families and loved ones. Such is the business of national defense today. It is an honor to be part of this great team of soldiers, airmen, civilians, veterans and families that serve the State of Hawaii and our nation in the Department of Defense.”

Ishikawa was the principal executive in charge of operations for the Honolulu Board of Water Supply. First employed as an engineer with the board in 1971, Ishikawa left from 1992 to 1995, when he was appointed deputy director for Maui County’s Department of Water. He returned to Oahu in 1995 to the Honolulu Board of Water Supply.

Ishikawa was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and recently retired as a colonel with the U.S. Army Reserves. During his 30-year career with the Reserves, he served as the commander of the 411th Engineer Battalion and the Pacific Armies Liaison Command. Other assignments included tours as the deputy chief of staff for force development and deputy chief of staff for information management of the 9th Regional Support Command.

Ishikawa is a graduate of the University of Hawaii and St. Louis High School.

On March 1, Lee was unanimously confirmed by the State Senate, and on March 3, he was pinned as a major general by Gov. Lingle and his wife, Judi, at a State Capitol ceremony
– 2003 January – March Pūpūkahi pp. 1