Rear Adm. (Ret.) Fred Pyle served as Director of Surface Warfare (OPNAV N96), leading efforts to modernize and maintain the Navy’s surface fleet. Over the span of his naval career, he commanded at multiple levels, completing deployments across the European, Central, and Pacific theaters. Ashore, Pyle held key roles such as Deputy Director of Plans, Policy, and Strategy (J5/8) at U.S. European Command, Commander of Naval Warfare Development Command, and Director of Maritime Operations at U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Pyle is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal.