# Daryl Caudle

Daryl Lane Caudle (born 1963) is a United States Navy admiral who is the 35th commander of United States Fleet Forces Command since 7 December 2021. He most recently served as commander of Naval Submarine Forces (COMSUBFOR), Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic (COMSUBLANT) and Commander, Allied Submarine Command (ASC). As COMSUBFOR, he was the undersea domain lead, and is responsible for the submarine force's strategic vision. As COMSUBLANT, he commanded all Atlantic-based U.S. submarines, their crews and supporting shore activities. These responsibilities also include duties as commander, Task Force (CTF) 114, CTF 88, and CTF 46. As commander, Allied Submarine Command, he was the principal undersea warfare advisor to all North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) strategic commanders.
Prior to this assignment, he was Vice Director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy on the Joint Staff (J-5) in Washington, D.C.

## Early life and education

Caudle was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from North Carolina State University in 1985. He was commissioned in the Navy after completing his training from Officer Candidate School. He holds advanced academic degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School where he graduated with distinction with a Master of Science in Physics in 1992 and from Old Dominion University with a Master of Science in engineering management. He also graduated from the School of Advanced Studies, a branch of University of Phoenix, where he obtained his doctor of management in organizational leadership with a specialization in information systems and technology.
Caudle's published dissertation focused on military decision-making uncertainty while considering the use of force in cyberspace. He is also a professional engineer.
On 4 December 2020, the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) at North Carolina State University awarded him the CBE Distinguished Alumni Award.

## Naval career

Caudle served at various posts during his sea tour assignments such as division officer, USS George Washington Carver (SSBN-656), engineer of USS Stonewall Jackson (SSBN-634) and USS Sand Lance (SSN-660) as well as serving as executive officer of USS Montpelier (SSN-765). His first command assignment was as commanding officer of USS Jefferson City (SSN-759). While appointed to the Submarine Squadron 11 as deputy commander, he served as commanding officer of USS Topeka (SSN-754) and USS Helena (SSN-725). He also commanded Submarine Squadron 3 as Commodore.
Caudle's tours ashore include assignments as assistant force nuclear power officer, commander Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Officer-in-Charge of Moored Training Ship (MTS 635); deputy commander of Submarine Squadron 11; assistant deputy director for information and cyberspace policy on the Joint Staff (J-5) in Washington, D.C.; and chief of staff, commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Caudle's other flag assignments include deputy chief for security cooperation, Office of the Defense Representative, Pakistan where he directly supported coalition forces for Operation Enduring Freedom; deputy commander, Joint Functional Component Command-Global Strike; deputy commander, U.S. 6th Fleet; director of operations U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa; commander, Submarine Group Eight, where he directed combat strikes using the first ever dual Carrier operations with allies in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He also designed the plan and directed combat sorties for Operation Odyssey Lightning to counter violent extremists in Libya; and commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
In July 2021, he was nominated and confirmed for promotion to four-star admiral to succeed Christopher W. Grady as commander of the United States Fleet Forces Command.

## Awards and decorations

* Submarine Warfare insignia (Officer)
* Silver SSBN Deterrent Patrol insignia (7 awards)
* Command at Sea insignia
* Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge
* Navy Distinguished Service Medal
* Defense Superior Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters
* Legion of Merit with three gold award stars
* Meritorious Service Medal with two award stars
* Navy Commendation Medal with four award stars
* Navy Achievement Medal with three award stars
* Joint Meritorious Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters
* Navy Unit Commendation
* Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation with two bronze service stars
* Navy "E" Ribbon with three Battle E devices
* Navy Expeditionary Medal with service star
* National Defense Service Medal with service star
* Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
* Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
* Korea Defense Service Medal
* Armed Forces Service Medal
* Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
* Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with seven service stars
* Navy Arctic Service Ribbon
* Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon with two service stars
* Special Operations Service Ribbon with service star
* Brazilian Order of Naval Merit, Commander
* Peruvian Order of Naval Merit, Grand Cross
* NATO Medal for the former Yugoslavia with service star
* Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon
* Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal

## Personal life

Caudle is married to Donna Caudle, with whom they have two daughters, two stepdaughters, two grandsons, and one granddaughter. Two of his sons-in-law's are active duty military, one in the Navy and one in the Marine Corps. He lives in Norfolk, Virginia.