Vice Adm. Baze is a native of San Antonio, Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Rice University. He was commissioned through Aviation Officer Candidate School in 1990 and designated a Naval Aviator in 1992. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Operationally, he deployed multiple times in support of detachment, carrier, and amphibious operations. His early fleet tours were in helicopter squadrons flying the SH-60B, assigned to the Wolfpack of HSL 45 and the Saberhawks of HSL 47. He later commanded HSL 45 and USS America (LHA 6).

His shore assignments included duties as a flight instructor and department head at HSL 41, aide to President, Board of Inspection and Survey, associate fellow on the Chief of Naval Operations’ Strategic Studies Group, Joint Staff action officer in J-3 Joint Operations Division, aide to the 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, deputy director for Aviation Distribution and Head Air Combat Placement Officer at Navy Personnel Command, and director of Aviation Warfare Distribution (PERS-43).

As a flag officer, he has served as Director of Maritime Headquarters at U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, and U.S. Sixth Fleet; and Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 3; and Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel/Commander, Navy Personnel Command.

Vice Admiral Baze assumed duties as the Naval Inspector General in November 2025.

He is authorized to wear the Legion of Merit (five awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), and multiple joint, unit and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 20 November 2025