USFFC Holds Change of Command, Welcomes 43rd Commander

NORFOLK — Adm. Christopher Grady was relieved by Adm. Daryl Caudle as commander, U.S. Fleet Forces in a ceremony aboard aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, Dec. 7, the command said. 

Dozens of civilian and military guests gathered to bid fair winds and following seas to Grady as he departs after more than three years in command, and to welcome Caudle as the new commander. Speakers included commander, U.S. Strategic Command Adm. Charles Richard and commander, U.S. Northern Command Gen. Glen VanHerck. 

Richard presided over the ceremony and said, “Adm. Grady’s leadership and innovation have brought to bear the full capability of the U.S. Navy in support of deterring our adversaries and assuring our allies and partners like never before. His visionary strategic approach is exactly what we need as we posture the joint force to meet today’s global challenges. I have full confidence that Adm. Caudle will pick up the ball and move it down the field.” 
   
“As the commander of Naval Forces Northern Command, Adm. Grady remained laser focused on the persistent proximate threats and the homeland defense challenges our nation faces during this period of increased global strategic competition with peers and near peers,” said VanHerck. “Adm. Grady’s numerous command tours have defined the standard across the fleet and throughout the Department of Defense for operational capability, mission success and a relentless approach to readiness.” 
   
Grady has been nominated by the White House to serve as the next vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Grady expressed his immense appreciation and pride to the Fleet Forces staff for the accomplishments they achieved under his charge. 
   
“Fleet Forces command is involved in nearly every aspect of the force-force generation, force development, force employment and in generating readiness to provide combatant commanders the resources that they need to defend our national interests at home and abroad,” said Grady. “Truly, the actions of every service member, government civilian, and contractor here at Fleet Forces, and across the waterfront, have played a critical role in supremely preparing the Navy and, to fight and win in today’s strategic environment.” 
   
Caudle joins the USFFC team after wrapping up his tour as the commander, U.S. Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Caudle is the 43rd commander of USFFC. 
   
“Admiral Grady’s warfighting vision at Fleet Forces transformed our approach to fleet readiness, operationalized our team to support two combatant commanders and protected our homeland in the maritime domain,” said Caudle. “I’m truly honored to continue to build on the successes of the Fleet Forces team, continuing to ensure our fleet is ready to bring lethality and integrated deterrence anytime, anywhere across the globe.”