According to U.S. media reports, on Monday, Admiral Daryl Caudle took over as the highest-ranking officer in the Navy, the Chief of Naval Operations, ending a six-month vacancy caused by the dismissal of his predecessor during the Trump administration.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been dismissing an increasing list of senior military leaders without much or any explanation. Hegseth dismissed Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Caudle's predecessor, in February without providing any explanation.
Caudle and Navy Secretary John Fiore did not give speeches at the swearing-in ceremony on Monday, although Franchetti was one of several former Chiefs of Naval Operations who attended.
Caudle agreed with the frequently repeated statement of the Trump administration, saying, "Peace through strength is effective."
Admiral Daryl Caudle is from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He graduated with honors from North Carolina State University in 1985 with a degree in chemical engineering. After attending the Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, he was commissioned. Caudle holds an advanced degree from the Naval Postgraduate School, a Master of Science in Physics from Old Dominion University (with distinction), a Master of Science in Engineering Management, and a Master of Science from the Advanced Research College of Arizona State University, where he earned a Doctorate in Leadership and Management with a focus on Information Systems and Technology.
His doctoral dissertation research focused on military decision-making uncertainty regarding the use of force in cyberspace. He is also a licensed professional engineer.
His early sea tours included serving as the Executive Officer of the USS George Washington Carver (SSBN 656G); Engineer on the USS Stonewall Jackson (SSN 634B); Engineer on the USS Sand Lance (SSN 660); and Executive Officer on the USS Montpelier (SSN 765).
Caudle's first command was as Commanding Officer of the USS Jefferson City (SSN 759). As Deputy Commander of Submarine Squadron 11, he served as Commanding Officer of the USS Topeka (SSN 754) and the USS Helena (SSN 725) due to the sudden loss of the normally assigned commander. He also commanded Submarine Squadron 3.
His shore assignments included Assistant Nuclear Power Officer for the Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Chief of the Moored Training Ship (MTS635); Deputy Commander of Submarine Squadron 11; Assistant Deputy Director for Information and Cyberspace Policy in the Joint Staff (J5, Strategic Planning and Policy) in Washington, D.C.; and Chief of Staff for the Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
His other flag assignments include Deputy Director for Security Cooperation at the Office of the Defense Representative in Pakistan and Deputy Commander of the Joint Functional Component Command for Global Strike.
Caudle currently serves as Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He is the principal advisor to the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, on submarine matters. Previously, he served as Deputy Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet; Director, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa; and Commanding Officer of Submarine Group 8.
His personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal (three times), the Legion of Merit (three times), the Meritorious Service Medal (three times), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five times), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four times).
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841466885495820/
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