Commander Daryl L. Caudle, a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina graduated from North Carolina State University (magna cum laude) in 1985, where he majored in Chemical Engineering. He attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and was commissioned in September 1985. Following commissioning, he completed nuclear propulsion training in Orlando, Florida and Idaho Falls, Idaho.

After completing Submarine Officer Basic Course in August 1987, he reported to USS GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER (SSBN 656) which was forward deployed to Holy Loch, Scotland. During this tour, he made six strategic deterrent patrols.

In August 1990, CDR Caudle reported to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He graduated with distinction, earning a Masters of Science in Physics with a military professional subspecialty in Nuclear and Directed Energy Weapons. He was presented the Naval Sea Systems Command Award for Weapon Systems Excellence for his work on Free Electron Lasers. He was also presented the Superintendent’s Most Outstanding Thesis Award.

After completing Submarine Officer Advanced Course, he reported in May 1993 as Engineer Officer in USS STONEWALL JACKSON (SSBN 634). He completed a strategic deterrent patrol before crew consolidation. He was transferred in May 1994 to USS SAND LANCE (SSN 660) where he served as Engineer Officer until January 1997. While onboard USS SAND LANCE, he completed three deployments, including numerous surfacings in the packed ice and open water polynyas of the Arctic.

In January 1997, CDR Caudle reported to the Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet as the Assistant Force Nuclear Power Officer, where he served until December 1998. During this tour, he was instrumental in developing advanced submarine fire fighting tactics, damage control equipment, and active ventilation procedures. Additionally, he earned his Professional Engineer’s license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In March 1999, he reported as the Executive Officer in USS MONTPELIER (SSN 765). During this tour, he completed a five month deployment around South America where he conducted UNITAS 41-00 operations and was fortunate enough to transit the Panama Canal and the Straits of Magellan.

CDR Caudle recently completed a tour as the Officer in Charge of Moored Training Ship 635 (ex-SAM RAYBURN) at the Nuclear Power Training Unit, Charleston. During this tour, he completed the Navy’s first Pierside Extended Maintenance Availability for a Moored Training Ship and earned his Masters degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.

Personal and unit awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), and the Battle "E" Efficiency Ribbon.