Kelly Aeschbach

Kelly A. Aeschbach is a retired United States Navy vice admiral who last served as the commander of Naval Information Forces from 2021 to 2024. Before that, she served as Director of the National Maritime Intelligence-Integration Office and Commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence. and prior to that as Deputy Director of Intelligence for United States Forces – Afghanistan.

Education and early career Kelly Aeschbach was born on August 5, 1968 and graduated from George Washington University in 1990 with a degree in International Affairs. During her studies, she participated in Naval ROTC and upon graduation, became a naval intelligence officer. She later earned an MBA from San Diego State University in 1998.

Aeschbach has participated in several military operations during her service, including Patrol Squadron (VP) 6, where she was deployed to Adak, Alaska, and Okinawa, Japan. She also served on Amphibious Squadron 1, where she was deployed to the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf. She also participated in Operation Enduring Freedom, the official U.S. government name for the Global War on Terrorism, with Carrier Strike Group 9, and Headquarters, Resolute Support, Afghanistan.

Not long after, Aeschbach became the Deputy Director of Intelligence for the entire United States Armed Forces in Afghanistan. In this capacity, she spoke at the 2017 anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks. "For 76 years, we've remembered Pearl Harbor. We've remained vigilant. And today's armed forces are ready to answer the alarm bell", she was quoted as saying. In her current role, Aeschbach seeks to prevent further such attacks from occurring by helping to lead US efforts in "information warfare".

In April 2021, Aeschbach was nominated for promotion to vice admiral and reassignment as commander of U.S. Naval Information Forces. She was subsequently relieved as director of the NMIO and commander of the ONI by Rear Admiral Gene F. Price on May 3, 2021. She relieved Vice Admiral Brian B. Brown as commander of NAVIFOR on May 7, 2021.

Awards

Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit Defense Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal Navy Achievement Medal.