Rear Adm. David Welch is a native of Peoria, Illinois. He is a 1987 graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he received a Bachelor of Science in English. He earned a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California in 1994, and was a 2014 fellow in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI program.

His sea duty assignments included main propulsion and deck division officer on USS Nassau (LHA 4); navigator on USS Ticonderoga (CG 47); flag lieutenant to Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group Eight; engineer officer on USS Anzio (CG 68); and executive officer on USS Lake Erie (CG 70).  Welch commanded the guided missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), Destroyer Squadron 31, and the Surface Warfare Officers School Command.

Ashore, his other assignments included three tours in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations; and assignments with the Navy Personnel Command, and the United States Pacific Command.

As a flag officer, Welch served as Director, International Engagements (OPNAV N52); Commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center; and Commander Carrier Strike Group FIFTEEN.

Welch retired from active duty on 1 September 2021.

His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and various other personal, unit and service awards.

Last Updated: 4 April 2022