New York Native Receives Third Star, Named USSTRATCOM Deputy Commander

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb.  –   U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Dave Kriete received his third star and assumed responsibility as deputy commander of U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) during a ceremony at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., June 15, 2018.

Kriete, a native of Brooklyn, New York, expressed his gratitude for a second stint at USSTRATCOM headquarters – he previously served as the deputy director of plans and policy from 2012-2014.

“I can’t tell you what an honor it is to serve with the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and civilians of USSTRATCOM again,” he said. “My wife Kathleen and I have traveled a long road to reach this point in our lives and we look forward to this next step in our journey.”

He went on to thank everyone who contributed to his success in the military and in life.

“I didn’t get here alone,” he said. “There are so many people that helped and mentored me throughout my life and career; from my friends and family back home in New York to the great men and women in uniform with whom I’ve had the privilege to serve, and of course my beautiful wife Kathleen. I want to thank you all.”

Before rejoining the team at USSTRATCOM, Kriete served at the White House as director of strategic capabilities policy for the National Security Council.

He is a 1980 graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School and a 1984 graduate of the United States Naval Academy where he majored in general engineering. He also holds a master’s in engineering management from Old Dominion University.

USSTRATCOM has global responsibilities assigned through the Unified Command Plan that include strategic deterrence, nuclear operations, space operations, joint electromagnetic spectrum operations, global strike, missile defense, and analysis and targeting.

For more information, contact the USSTRATCOM Public Affairs Office at 402-294-4130 or USSTRATCOMPA@mail.mil or visit www.stratcom.mil.