# David Kriete

David Matthew Kriete (born 1963) is a retired vice admiral in the United States Navy who last served as the deputy commander of the United States Fleet Forces Command. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and holds a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.

## Naval career

Kriete's flag assignments include deputy commander, United States Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska; commander, Submarine Group 9 in Silverdale, Washington; deputy director, Plans and Policy, U.S. Strategic Command; and deputy director, Force Employment at United States Fleet Forces Command. He also served as director, Strategic Capabilities Policy, National Security Council where he was responsible for presidential policy on all nuclear weapons related issues.
His operational assignments include command of Submarine Squadron 6 and USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740). He also served aboard USS Kentucky (SSBN 737), USS Flying Fish (SSN-673) and USS Finback (SSN-670).
His shore and staff assignments include chief of staff, Submarine Force Atlantic; Navy Staff, Undersea Warfare Division; Submarine Force Atlantic Tactical Readiness Team and Prospective commanding officer instructor; Joint Staff Nuclear Operations Division; Atlantic Fleet Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board; and Submarine Force Atlantic Special Operations Division.
Kriete had an integral role in the last two Nuclear Posture Reviews. He assumed his latest duties as deputy commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command May 4, 2020 where he also serves as deputy commander, Naval Forces Northern Command, deputy commander, Naval Forces Strategic Command, and commander Task Force 80. He was also dual-hatted as director Strategic Capabilities Policy, National Security Council.
He retired on July 1, 2021 after 37 years of service.

## Awards and decorations

| Badge | Submarine Warfare insignia (Officer) | Submarine Warfare insignia (Officer) | Submarine Warfare insignia (Officer) |
| 1st row | Defense Distinguished Service Medal | Defense Distinguished Service Medal | Defense Distinguished Service Medal |
| 2nd row | Navy Distinguished Service Medal | Defense Superior Service Medal (with two bronze oak leaf clusters) | Legion of Merit (with one gold award star) |
| 3rd row | Defense Meritorious Service Medal | Navy Commendation Medal (with silver award star) | Navy Achievement Medal (with gold award star) |
| 4th row | Joint Meritorious Unit Award (with three oak leaf clusters) | Navy Unit Commendation (with one bronze service star) | Navy "E" Ribbon (with a Wreathed Battle "E" device) |
| 5th row | Navy Expeditionary Medal | National Defense Service Medal (with bronze service star) | Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal |
| 6th row | Global War on Terrorism Service Medal | Armed Forces Service Medal | Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (with three service stars) |
| 7th row | Navy Arctic Service Ribbon | NATO Medal for the former Yugoslavia | Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal |
| Badge | Silver SSBN Deterrent Patrol insignia (6 awards) | Silver SSBN Deterrent Patrol insignia (6 awards) | Silver SSBN Deterrent Patrol insignia (6 awards) |
| Badge | Command at Sea insignia | Command at Sea insignia | Command at Sea insignia |
| Badge | Presidential Service Badge | Presidential Service Badge | Presidential Service Badge |