Daryl Caudle

Daryl Lane Caudle (born 1963) is an American admiral and engineer who has served as the 34th chief of naval operations since 2025.

Caudle was born in North Carolina. He graduated from the Officer Candidate School of the United States Navy in 1985, and holds degrees in the fields of engineering and physics from North Carolina State University, Old Dominion University, the University of Phoenix, and the Naval Postgraduate School. He is also a licensed professional engineer.

He has commanded three submarines. His senior assignments have included Commander, Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet; Vice Director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy on the Joint Staff (J-5) in Washington, D.C.; concurrent terms as Commander, Naval Submarine Forces, Submarine Force Atlantic, and Allied Submarine Command from 2019 to 2021; and Commander, United States Fleet Forces Command, from 2021 to 2025.

Caudle directed air attacks during Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Odyssey Lightning.