A native of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, Rear Adm. Paul Schlise is a surface warfare officer, and a 1989 graduate of Marquette University’s College of Business. He was commissioned through Marquette’s Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. He holds a master’s degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College, and was a 2015-16 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI Fellow.

His nine deployments and two overseas assignments have included service in Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Desert Fox, and Tomodachi. He served aboard USS Flint (AE 32), USS Antietam (CG 54), USS Hopper (DDG 70), USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53); and commanded USS Halsey (DDG 97) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7. In 2012, he executed DESRON Seven’s homeport shift to U.S. 7th Fleet forward-deployed naval forces in Singapore.

He’s served multiple tours on the Chief of Naval Operations staff, including as Director, Surface Warfare (OPNAV N96) and Director, Warfare Development (N72). He previously served at Navy Personnel Command, Surface Officer Distribution Division (PERS 41); and on the Joint Staff, Strategic Plans & Policy Directorate (J5).

His initial Flag assignment was as deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet in Bahrain. He commanded Carrier Strike Group 10/USS Dwight D. Eisenhower “IKE” Strike Group during her 2020 deployment.

He assumed his current duties as Director, Integrated Warfare, N9I, on the OPNAV Staff in August 2023.

Last Updated: 12 March 2025