Keynote Speakers

Rear Admiral Douglas W. Sasse, III

Director, Assessment Division, N81, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

Rear Admiral Doug Sasse is a native of Flint, Michigan. He is a 1993 graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. He also holds a Master of Science in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Master of Art in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

He served as a division officer aboard USS Deyo (DD 989) and assigned to Commander, Destroyer Squadron 20, completing deployments to the Mediterranean and North Atlantic. He later served as Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer on USS Hue City (CG 66), completing deployments to both U.S. 6th Fleet and U.S 5th Fleet in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sasse served as an Associate Fellow with the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Strategic Studies Group and as an Air Defense Instructor assigned to Surface Warfare Officer School Command in Newport, Rhode Island. His staff tours include Navy Reserve U.S. Forces Korea Det. 102; Navy Reserve Commander, Naval Forces Europe, Naval Forces Africa and U.S. Sixth Fleet Det. 802; Reserve Chief of Staff for Commander, Naval Surface Forces U.S. Pacific Fleet; and Reserve Vice Commander, U.S. Fourth Fleet.

His Command tours include Navy Reserve Commander, Destroyer Squadron 40 Det. B; Navy Reserve Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic Det. C; Navy Reserve U.S. Fleet Forces Command Maritime and Air Operations Det. Fort Dix; Navy Reserve Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Squadron 2 and Reserve LCS Enterprise Director; and Navy Reserve U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet. He also mobilized as the Joint Operations Center Team Chief for Commander, U.S. Central Command Headquarters in support of Operational Noble Eagle. He is currently assigned as Director, Assessment Division (OPNAV N81).

Personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various campaign and unit awards.

Keynote Speaker

Vice Admiral John B. “Brad” Skillman

Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources, N8, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

Vice Adm. Brad Skillman is a native of Muncie, Indiana and St. Paris, Ohio. He is a 1986 graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography. He earned a Master of Science in Operational Oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is also a proven financial management specialist.

A surface warfare officer, Skillman’s sea duty assignments include USS Josephus Daniels (CG 27), USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3), USS Nashville (LPD 13), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8 and PHIBRON-4.

Skillman was the commissioning commanding officer of USS New Orleans (LPD 18). He also commanded USS Ponce (LPD 15) and USS San Antonio (LPD 17). His major command was as commander, Amphibious Squadron 4.

Ashore, Skillman served as the lead ship maintenance action officer for the Maintenance and Modernization Division (N43) and as the Sea Shield and Surface Warfare Program analyst for the Director of Integration and Warfare Assessment (N70) on the staff of the chief of naval operations. He was the military assistant and director of operations for the deputy director, Naval Warfare in Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics), Portfolio Systems Acquisition and served as the executive assistant and naval aide to the assistant secretary of the Navy (Financial Management & Comptroller).

As a flag officer, his tours include deputy commander and chief of staff, NATO Joint Warfare Centre, Stavanger, Norway, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2, he established the Enterprise Support pillar as director in MyNavyHR and most recently, Director, Programming Division OPNAV (N80).

Skillman’s decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various campaign, unit and service awards.

At a Glance

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