Rear Adm. Kimberly Walz is a native of Crownsville, Maryland. She is a 1992 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy where she earned a Bachelor of Science in General Science. She holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies and is a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College.

Her initial sea duty assignment was aboard USS Sierra (AD 18) where she served as electrical officer. She subsequently served aboard USS Santa Barbara (AE 28) as main propulsion assistant and deployed to the Mediterranean Sea to provide logistic support in the region. She then was assigned to USS Stump (DD 968) as fire control officer and assistant combat systems officer and deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Northern Watch.

Walz served as deputy director for Women at Sea Program at Naval Surface Force Atlantic prior to affiliating in the Navy Reserve in 2000. She then served with U.S. Joint Forces Command for Millennium Challenge 2002 Large Scale Experiment. Follow on staff assignments include U.S. 2nd Fleet Joint Force Air Component Unit, Strike Group Eight Unit. She also served as reserve chief of staff for US Pacific Fleet and Surface Forces Atlantic. She mobilized to Camp Lemonier Djibouti as the deputy director of Security Force Assistance for Combined Joint Forces Horn of Africa.

Her command tours include Navy Reserve Navy Warfare Development Command in Norfolk, Virginia; Military Sea Lift Command Expeditionary Port Unit 105 in Wilmington, Delaware; Afloat Culture Workshop Unit in support of Naval Surface Forces Atlantic in Norfolk, Virginia; Navy Reserve Commander Naval Forces Europe, Commander Naval Forces Africa Operations Unit in Atlanta, Georgia where her team supported NATO and U.S. 6th Fleets efforts to support Operations in Ukraine. She was also Commodore for Navy Reserve Littoral Combat Squadron One in San Diego, California.

Her personal awards and decorations include Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and various other personal, service, unit, and campaign awards. She is a Joint Qualified Officer.

Last Updated: 7 November 2022