Rear Adm. Karrey “DeWayne” Sanders hails from Northern California. He enlisted in the Navy in 1986 and completed tours aboard USS Midway (CV 41), USS Cape Cod (AD 43), and Naval Air Station North Island. In 1994, he was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and received his commission in 1997 after earning his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from San Diego State University. Additionally, Sanders has received a Master of Science in Software Engineering from National University and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

His at sea tours include serving as the anti-submarine warfare officer aboard USS Curts (FFG 38); assistant operations officer aboard USS Higgins (DDG 76); first lieutenant aboard USS Rushmore (LSD 47); first lieutenant aboard USS Tarawa (LHA 1); executive officer (fleet-up) and commanding officer of USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52); commanding officer of USS Rushmore (LSD 47); assistant chief of staff for operations for Expeditionary Strike Group THREE (ESG 3); commanding officer of USS Portland (LPD 27); and commodore of Amphibious Squadron ONE (COMPHIBRON 1).

Sanders’ tours ashore include serving as an instructor assigned to Tactical Training Group Pacific; action officer for Detainee Affairs for U.S. Central Command student at the Naval War College; deputy special technical operations chief for Joint Functional Component Command for Space; Logistics Planning (N40) action officer and Environmental Readiness Division (N45) deputy assistant chief of staff for Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; requirements officer for the OPNAV Expeditionary Warfare Division (N95); deputy director for OPNAV Fleet Readiness Division (N83); executive assistant for OPNAV Integration of Capabilities and Resources (N8). He is currently serving as the deputy commander for U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, Navy Space Command.

Sanders has been awarded the Legion of Merit with two gold stars, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, Navy Commendation Medal with three gold stars, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal with three gold stars, and numerous other unit commendations, campaign ribbons and awards.

Last Updated: 6 August 2026