The University of Notre Dame’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA) proudly recognizes the extraordinary career of Admiral Christopher W. Grady, '84, who retired from active duty on September 30, 2025, concluding over 40 years of service to the nation. At the time of his retirement, Adm. Grady served as the 12th Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the second highest ranking military officer in the United States.
Upon his selection to this position, Adm. Grady oversaw the Joint Requirement Oversight Council (JROC), co-chaired the Deputy's Management Action Group (DMAG), and served as the senior member of the Nuclear Weapons Council, managing the atomic stockpile and related programs. He also briefly served as the Acting Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2025, making him the nation’s highest-ranking military officer.
From the Golden Dome to Global Command
A native of Newport, Rhode Island, Adm. Grady’s journey began at Notre Dame, where he graduated in 1984 and received his commission through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program. While an undergraduate, he was a three-time monogram winner and captain of the fencing team. He later earned master’s degrees from Georgetown University and the National War College.
A career Surface Warfare Officer, Adm. Grady commanded ships and strike groups across the globe, including:
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USS Cole (DDG 67): Commanding officer during a deployment as part of NATO’s Standing Naval Forces Mediterranean.
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Carrier Strike Group One/USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group: Commander, conducting combat operations in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.
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U.S. Fleet Forces Command: Commander from 2018 until his appointment as Vice Chairman, where he served as the Naval Component Commander to both U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Strategic Command.
In May 2021, Adm. Grady was recognized as the Navy’s “Old Salt,” an honor given to the longest-serving Surface Warfare Officer on active duty, acknowledging his deep knowledge and expertise. His distinguished service earned him numerous decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal and the Defense Superior Service Medal.
A Lifelong Commitment to Alma Mater
Despite the demands of his service, Adm. Grady maintained a profound connection to Notre Dame, ensuring he gave back to the next generation of leaders:
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Commencement Speaker: He served as the principal speaker for the 2025 Commencement Ceremony, where he also received an honorary degree.
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A Meaningful Presentation: Most recently, Notre Dame was honored to have Admiral Grady (Ret.) and his wife, Christine, present the flag that was flown during the 2025 Salute to Service football game versus Navy on November 8th. This presentation symbolized the culmination of his active duty service and his deep, ongoing tie to the University community.
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Mentorship: He consistently mentors the University's Naval ROTC unit and supports the O'Brien Notre Dame International Security Center (ONDISC).
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Alumni Recognition: In 2019, he was the recipient of the Rev. William Corby, C.S.C., Award from the Notre Dame Alumni Association, which honors graduates who have distinguished themselves in military service.
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University Forum: In September 2024, he returned to campus to serve as a featured speaker in the Notre Dame Forum, discussing peacebuilding and diplomacy with former U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly.
Adm. Grady and his wife, Christine, are the parents of three children, two of whom are Notre Dame graduates. His son is a U.S. Navy veteran, continuing the Grady family's legacy as fifth-generation naval officers.
When reflecting on what gives him hope, Adm. Grady pointed directly to the University's mission:
“It has to be a pursuit of truth. And I think what Notre Dame does better than anybody else is it enables our students to get after the truth, to be a discerning consumer of all of the various things that are out there.”
The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs extends its deepest gratitude to Admiral Christopher W. Grady for his decades of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the principles of "God, Country, Notre Dame." We wish him fair winds and following seas in his well-deserved retirement.