Adm. Daryl Caudle is a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina and a 1985 graduate of North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He received his commission after attending Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. Caudle is a licensed professional engineer and holds a Master of Science in Physics from the Naval Postgraduate School, a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University, and a Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership with a specialization in Information Systems and Technology from the School of Advanced Studies, University of Phoenix.  

Caudle was sworn in as the 34^th Chief of Naval Operations on Aug. 25, 2025.  

His flag officer assignments include Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; U.S. Naval Forces Northern Command; U.S. Naval Forces Strategic Command; and U.S. Strategic Command, Joint Force Maritime Component Commander. He also served as Commander, Submarine Forces; Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic; Commander, Task Force (CTF) 114, CTF 88, and CTF 46; Commander, Allied Submarine Command; Vice Director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy on the Joint Staff (J-5) in Washington, D.C.; Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Deputy Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet; Director of Operations, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa; Commander, Submarine Group Eight Deputy; Deputy Commander, Joint Functional Component Command-Global Strike; and Deputy Chief for security cooperation, Office of the Defense Representative, Pakistan.

At sea, Caudle served aboard USS George Washington Carver (SSBN 656); USS Stonewall Jackson (SSN 634); USS Sand Lance (SSN 660); and as Executive Officer of USS Montpelier (SSN 765). He commanded USS Jefferson City (SSN 759), USS Topeka (SSN 754) and USS Helena (SSN 725). He also served as Deputy Commander, Submarine Squadron 11 and Commander, Submarine Squadron 3. 

Ashore, he served as assistant force nuclear power officer, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Officer-In-Charge of Moored Training Ship (MTS 635); assistant Deputy Director for information and cyberspace policy on the Joint Staff (J-5) in Washington, D.C.; and Chief of Staff, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. 

His personal decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (four awards), Legion of Merit (four awards), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards). 

Last Updated: 25 August 2025