Rear Adm. Kelly C. Ward, raised in Houston, Texas, was commissioned in 1995 via the Northwestern University NROTC program. Ward has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Radio/Television/Film from Northwestern University. He also has a Master of Public Affairs degree from the University of Texas at Austin Lyndon Baines Johnson School for public affairs. He is a Joint Qualified Officer and is Joint Information Operations Planner certified.

At sea, he served as damage control assistant aboard USS Curts (FFG 38) in Yokosuka, Japan, and then as operations officer for Maritime Preposition Squadron 1 in Rota, Spain. His active-duty shore tour was as officer in charge, Massachusetts Maritime Academy Department of Naval Science in Buzzard’s Bay, Massachusetts.

As a Navy Reserve officer, Ward’s mobilizations include a one-year tour at sea in support of counterterrorism operations 2017-2018 and from 2009-2010 in Baghdad, Iraq, supporting the Iraq Ministry of Defense.

Staff tours include Reserve Chief Staff Officer at Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, Chief of Staff at Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific while also serving as the Navy Reserve Surface Warfare Reserve Enterprise Director. Command tours include U.S. Fleet Forces Command N3 Headquarters Unit (NR USFF N3) and as NR USFF N3 Federation Director; Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 10; Coastal Riverine Group 2; Littoral Combat Ship (Surface Warfare) Great Lakes; Coastal Riverine Squadron 8, Bravo Company; and Navy Security Force supporting Naval Station Norfolk. Other Reserve units include assignments with Commander, Navy Installations Command Installation Support Center and Navy Security Force Chinhae, Korea.

Ward’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation and Achievement Medals, and various other campaign and unit awards.

In his civilian occupation, Ward is a strategic advisor supporting Naval Special Warfare Development Group. He is a recognized leader and subject matter expert in the Navy Force Protection community.

Ward assumed his current roles as Director, Strategic Effects for Commander U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa and Commander, CTF-66 in October 2025.

Last Updated: 20 November 2025