Dennis Velez is a United States Navy rear admiral and surface warfare officer who serves as the chief of staff of the United States Cyber Command. He previously served as the director of plans and policy of United States Cyber Command from June 2023 to June 2024.
Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and raised in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, Velez graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. He earned a master's degree in Information Technology Management. Also has a Master of Science in Management Information Systems from Touro College.
In 2021 Dennis Velez was inducted to the Puerto Rico Veterans Hall of Fame.
Military career Velez most recently served as the commander of Carrier Strike Group 10 from April 2022 to May 2023. He previously served as the commander of Navy Recruiting Command from April 2020 to March 2022, and as the senior military assistant to the 76th United States Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer, with tours as commanding officer of the and .
In February 2023, Velez was nominated for promotion to rear admiral.
Military decorations and awards Among Rear Admiral Velez's military decorations are the following:
Surface Warfare Officer Insignia1st RowDefense Superior Service MedalLegion of Merit w/ two gold starsMeritorious Service Medal w/ three gold stars2nd RowNavy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/ three gold starsNavy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/ one gold starJoint Meritorious Unit Award w/ one bronze Oak Leaf Cluster3rd RowNavy Achievement MedalNavy Meritorious Unit CommendationNavy "E" Ribbon w/ Wreathed Battle E device4th RowNavy Expeditionary Medal w/ one bronze service starNational Defense Service Medal w/ one bronze service starArmed Forces Expeditionary Medal5th RowGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal w/ two bronze service stars Global War on Terrorism Service MedalArmed Forces Service Medal6th RowHumanitarian Service Medal w/ one bronze starNavy and Marine Corps Sea Service Deployment Ribbon w/ three bronze starsNavy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon w/ three bronze stars7th RowNATO MedalNavy Rifleman Marksmanship Ribbon with Expert Device Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon with Expert DeviceCommand at Sea insigniaOffice of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge
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