AFCEA/USNI WEST 2026

David Chase
Deputy Director
Expeditionary Warfare Division, OPNAV N95


Mr. Chase was selected to the Senior Executive Service in August 2023. He currently serves as the Deputy Director in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations for Expeditionary Warfare (N95). In this capacity, he is responsible for establishing and validating requirements, setting priorities, and directing overall planning and programming for expeditionary warfare capabilities and systems. Prior to OPNAV N95, Mr. Chase served in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources (N8). His responsibilities included comprehensive investment strategy development and strategic communications assessments and alignment associated with the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution process. Prior to his civilian service, Mr. Chase served in the U.S. Navy for thirty years, retiring in 2016 with the rank of Captain. He served in a variety of ashore and afloat assignments, including: Director of the Navy’s Congressional Appropriations Matters Office; PoliticoMilitary Planner and Southeast Asia Division Chief on the Joint Staff (J5); and Requirements Officer in Surface Warfare Division (OPNAV N96). Afloat assignments included: Commander, Mine Countermeasures Squadron Three from 2010-2012; Commanding Officer, USS Vandegrift (FFG-48) from 2004-2006; and Commanding Officer, USS Avenger (MCM-1) from 1999-2001. Mr. Chase is a 1986 graduate of Holy Cross College, Worcester, MA, where he was awarded a B.A. in Economics and received his commission through the Navy ROTC program. His professional military education includes the Naval War College where he was awarded a M.S. degree in National Security and Strategic Studies and National Defense University and was awarded a M.S. degree in National Resource Strategy. He is a Certified Defense Financial Manager and a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute, Leadership for a Democratic Society course. He is a member of the United States Navy League and Surface Navy Association.

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