Captain Robert C. Taylor is a native of Orlando, Florida. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Captain Taylor earned his Masters Degree in Management from Chapman College. He entered Officer Candidate School in August 1955, and on 26 January 1956 was commissioned an Ensign.

Captain Taylor entered basic flight training at NAS Pensacola, Florida in February 1956, and upon completion of advance flight training at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, was designated a naval aviator in March 1957. Following his designation he reported to Attack Squadron THIRTY-SIX (VA-36) where he served as Weapons Training Officer until May 1961, when he was ordered to Attack Squadron Forty-Four (VA-4) where he again served as Weapon Training Officer.

In September 1968 Captain Taylor was transferred to the west coast where he joined Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO (VA 122) serving as Enlisted Training Officer and Executive Officer. In March 1971, he reported to Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY-TWO (VA-192), the Navy's World Famous "Golden Dragons" and served as Executive Officer, the Commanding the "Dragons," until 28 May 1973. While serving as Commanding Officer, he became the eleventh naval aviator to achieve 1000 carrier landings. Captain Taylor next attended the Naval War College until his detachment and transfer to Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE (VA-125) in July 1974, serving as Commanding Officer until December 1975. In February 1976, Captain Taylor transferred to the USS RANGER (CV-61) as Executive Officer. Following his tour as the Head, Carrier Warfare Branch (OP-551) for the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air Warfare), Captain Taylor commanded USS CAMDEN (AOE-2) from 19 April 1980 through 10 August 1981. He took command of USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) underway in the Indian Ocean on 25 August 1981.

Captain Taylor has been awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying cross with three stars, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Strike/Flight) with the numeral 32 for over 320 combat missions and eleven individual Air Medals; the Navy Commendation Medal with one star, Navy Unit Commendation with one star, Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Gold Star, and other campaign and service awards.

Captain Taylor is married to the former Sally Osbun of Orlando, Florida, and has one son - Richard and three daughters - Teresa, Carrean, and Charlotte.