APRIL 30, 2026 — Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle announced today that Matthew Swartz has assumed duties as Director Navy Staff while remaining the executive director on the CNO staff. This leadership consolidation is a deliberate order to shift the Navy staff from a peacetime posture to a warfighting footing in direct alignment with the recently released U.S. Navy Fighting Instructions.
“Our Total Force, comprised of world-class Sailors and Civilians, is our most decisive warfighting advantage,” said Caudle. “By dual-hatting Matt in these critical roles, we are sharpening the focus, accountability, and speed of our Navy staff to better support the Fleet and deliver on our warfighting priorities. His experience and leadership are essential to driving alignment between staffs, enforcing high standards, and empowering our civilian and military professionals to think, act, and perform with the urgency required to prevail in an ever evolving and complex maritime environment.”
This leadership consolidation is a deliberate order to shift the Navy staff from a peacetime posture to a warfighting footing in direct alignment with the recently released U.S. Navy Fighting Instructions. Moving forward, the Navy’s focus remains in lockstep with Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao’s priorities of taking care of Sailors’ needs to ensure mission success, building the necessary platforms to align with the Golden Fleet Initiative, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to defending the homeland.
As DNS and executive director, Swartz will oversee coordination of the Navy Staff and serve as the senior advisor for the civilian workforce while embedding a warfighting mindset across the total force. He will continue leading engagement with academic and community partners to strengthen the Navy industrial base.
“I am honored to serve as the Director of Navy Staff and support the dedicated military and civilian professionals within this organization,” Swartz said. “My goal is to ensure our team has the coordination and resources necessary to effectively manage the business of the Navy. We remain focused on empowering our people as we advance Admiral Caudle’s priorities of Foundry, Fleet and Fight.”
Swartz previously served as executive director for U.S. Fleet Forces Command and held senior roles at Naval Information Forces and U.S. Fleet Cyber Command. He holds Master of Science degrees from the University of Virginia and the National Defense University. His awards include a Presidential Rank Award and multiple Department of Navy civilian service honors.