Rear Admiral David B. Woods, USN (retired)

It is hard to know where to start highlighting Rear Admiral David Woods’ career. Having spent his professional career in the US Navy, Dave’s distinguished career speaks for itself. Starting off as a pilot, Dave’s career has included leadership assignments in surface and electronic warfare, operations, personnel, strategy and planning. He served in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Woods began his current flag officer command tour in August 2012 as commander, Strike Force Training Pacific.

Woods’ decorations include Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (two awards), Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Strike/Flight Air Medal (five awards), United States Air Force Aerial Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards) and various other service and unit awards. He also received the National Navy League’s Vice Admiral John Perry award for excellence in Electronic Warfare.

Originally a native of Utah, Rear Admiral Woods received a BS degree from the U.S. Naval Academy. He received his master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.