Merz is a native of San Diego, California, and a career submariner. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering, and subsequently earned master’s degrees from the Catholic University of America and the Naval War College. His most recent assignment was Commander, Seventh Fleet.

The Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5) is the principal advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) on Navy strategies, plans, and policies, including planning and coordinating the global employment of naval forces.