Speakers

Admiral Christopher W. Grady is the 12th Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation’s second highest-ranking military officer. In this role, he represents the Chairman on the National Security Council Deputies Committee, chairs the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, co-chairs the Deputy’s Management Action Group and Deputy’s Workforce Council, and serves as the senior military member of the Nuclear Weapons Council.

A native of Newport, Rhode Island, Admiral Grady was commissioned through the Naval ROTC program at the University of Notre Dame and is a distinguished graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and the National War College. A career Surface Warfare Officer, he commanded multiple warships—including USS Cole—and served in leadership roles supporting Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve.

Admiral Grady has held senior positions across the Navy and joint force, including Director of Maritime Operations for U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander of Carrier Strike Group 1, U.S. 6th Fleet, and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO. From 2018 to 2021, he commanded U.S. Fleet Forces Command and served as Naval Component Commander to U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Strategic Command.

A seasoned strategist and joint leader, Admiral Grady has also served in the White House and on the Joint Staff. He is the Navy’s current “Old Salt,” the longest-serving Surface Warfare Officer on active duty.