Daryl L. Caudle

Daryl L. Caudle is a United States Navy admiral who has commanded the United States Fleet Forces Command and United States Naval Forces Northern Command since 2021. A career submariner, he has held significant leadership roles across the United States Submarine Forces and served in key positions within the United States Indo-Pacific Command and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. His career spans operational command during the War in Afghanistan and Iraq War, as well as high-level strategic planning for Navy programs and readiness.

Early life and education

Daryl L. Caudle was born in Shelby, North Carolina, and graduated from Shelby High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 1985, where he was commissioned as an ensign. He later completed a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from the Old Dominion University and is a distinguished graduate of the National War College, where he received a Master of Science in National Security Strategy.

Military career

Following his commissioning, Caudle completed training at Naval Nuclear Power School and served as a division officer aboard the USS ''Baltimore'' (SSN-704). After subsequent submarine training, he served as a department head on the USS ''Portsmouth'' (SSN-707). His first command was the ''Los Angeles''-class attack submarine USS ''Helena'' (SSN-725), homeported in San Diego. He later commanded Submarine Squadron 4 in Groton and Submarine Group 10 at Kings Bay, Georgia.

His shore and staff assignments include service as a strategic planner on the Joint Staff within the Pentagon, and as the director of the Programming Division (N80) on the Chief of Naval Operations staff. He served as the commander of United States Submarine Forces and Allied Submarine Command from 2018 to 2020. Prior to his current assignment, he was the deputy commander of the United States Fleet Forces Command. In November 2021, he assumed command of the United States Fleet Forces Command and United States Naval Forces Northern Command, headquartered in Norfolk, with responsibility for the operational readiness of Atlantic Fleet forces and the defense of the NORAD and USNORTHCOM areas of responsibility.

Awards and decorations

Admiral Caudle's personal awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (with three gold award stars), the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (with two gold award stars), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with two gold award stars), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with one gold award star). He also wears the Submarine Warfare insignia, the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge, and various unit and campaign awards.

Personal life

Admiral Caudle is married and has three children. He is an avid supporter of professional development within the United States Navy and is frequently cited in publications like ''Proceedings'' and ''Seapower'' discussing issues of naval readiness and undersea warfare. His hometown of Shelby, North Carolina, has recognized his service and leadership achievements.

Category:United States Navy admirals Category:United States Naval Academy alumni Category:National War College alumni Category:Submariners