Fred Kacher

Frederick William Kacher (born 1968) is a United States Navy vice admiral and former director of the Joint Staff. He served as the commander of the United States Seventh Fleet from February 15, 2024. He also served as the acting superintendent of the United States Naval Academy from August 2023 to January 2024. He previously served as vice director for operations of the Joint Staff from June 2022 to June 2023. He served as the assistant deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans, and strategy of the United States Navy from May 2021 to June 2022, and prior to that, he served as the Commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 7.

Early life and education Raised in Oakton, Virginia, Kacher graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in English. He later earned a Master of Public Policy degree with a concentration in international relations from the Kennedy School at Harvard University.

Military career In June 2022, Kacher was assigned as vice director for operations of the Joint Staff.

In January 2023, Kacher was nominated for promotion to vice admiral and assignment as commander of the United States Seventh Fleet. In June 2025, he was nominated for reappointment as a vice admiral and assignment as director of the Joint Staff. In February 2026, Kacher was removed from this position, with one source saying he was not the right fit for the position.

Honors