Vice Adm. John F. G. Wade is a native of Port Washington, New York. He is a 1990 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. He also holds a master’s degree in Information Systems Technology from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and a master’s degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College in Washington, District of Columbia.

A career Surface Warfare Officer, Wade has served at sea on Patrol Craft, Destroyers, Cruisers and Aircraft Carriers, completing multiple deployments and overseas contingency operations to include Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He commanded USS Firebolt (PC 10), USS Preble (DDG 88), Destroyer Squadron 28, and Carrier Strike Group 12 embarked aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

Ashore, Wade served on the personal staff of the Chief of Naval Operations; executive assistant to the director of the Quadrennial Defense Review Team; deputy executive assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; chief of staff to Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; director of maritime operations, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; and, director of operations, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. He served with the Army’s 10th Mountain and 82nd Airborne Divisions as commanding officer of the Joint/Interagency Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) – Khost, Afghanistan. Additionally, he commanded the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center, Joint Task Force - Red Hill, and most recently U.S. 3rd Fleet.

Wade is currently the Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of War. In this capacity he serves as the principal military advisor and primary assistant to the Secretary.

Wade’s personal decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Combat Action Badge, and various service, campaign and unit awards. He is also the recipient of the Vice Adm. E.C. Waller, Vice Adm. John D. Bulkeley leadership and Distinguished Service Medal awards.

Last Updated: 27 May 2026