Designated a naval aviator in 1929, Vice Admiral Robert B. Pirie served in the USS Lexington (CV-2), Langley (CV-1), and Raleigh (CL-7). In 1942 he was Assistant Air Operations Officer for Commander Air Force Pacific Fleet. In 1945 he was Commander Carrier Division Four, participating in the assault on and capture of the Marianas and Palau; the initial raid on the Philippines, Okinawa, and Formosa; the Battle of Leyte Gulf; and the South China Sea Raid. During the final months of the war, he was Air Ops Officer on staff of Fleet Admiral King. He served as Commandant of Midshipmen at the Naval Academy in 1952. Subsequent duties included: CO of the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43)

Chief of Staff to CinC, U.S. Naval Forces Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean; Chief of Staff and Aide to CinC U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Commander Carrier Division Six, Commander Second Fleet; and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air) until retirement in 1962.