William R. Merz

William Rhode Merz (born March 10, 1963) is a retired United States Navy vice admiral who last served as deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans and strategy from August 6, 2021 to October 7, 2022. He previously served as commander of U. S. Seventh Fleet from 2019 to 2021.

Merz's aboard assignments include , "Submarine Group Seven" and Task Force 74. As a flag officer, he was assigned to commands at naval mine destroyer ships and anti-submarine warfare command. Later, he was appointed to Task Force 77 stationed at San Diego and TF-54 in Bahrain.

Education Bill Merz was born in San Diego, California. In 1986, he graduated with merit from the United States Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ocean Engineering. He later earned Master's Degrees from The Catholic University of America and the Naval War College. VADM Merz also completed the MIT seminar XXI program and the University of Virginia "Strategic Thinking" program.

Career

Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Vice Adm. Bill Merz salutes side boys as he arrives at the Fleet Activities Yokosuka Theater for the 7th Fleet change of command.

VADM Merz served as a director during his ashore flag officer assignments, including Naval Undersea Warfare Center for a ballistic missile submarine program (OPNAV N97). Later, he was appointed as the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for warfare systems (DCNO OPNAV N9). His submarine design research assignments includes commanding officer of the U.S. naval reactors, chief of staff for the Submarine Force Commander. As a submariner, Merz was assigned to in San Diego, in Guam, and in Norfolk. After serving aboard, he was assigned to command the deep-submergence vehicle NR-1, Los Angeles-class submarine and a submarine squadron.

Awards and decorations

Submarine Warfare Officer InsigniaNavy Distinguished Service Medal with award starDefense Superior Service Medal with bronze oak leaf clusterLegion of Merit with four award starsMeritorious Service Medal with three award starsNavy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with award starNavy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with award starJoint Meritorious Unit AwardNavy Unit Commendation Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation with two bronze service starsNavy E Ribbon, 1st awardNavy Expeditionary Medal with bronze service starNational Defense Service Medal with bronze service starSouthwest Asia Service Medal with bronze service starGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalArmed Forces Service MedalHumanitarian Service MedalNavy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one silver and three bronze service starsNavy Arctic Service RibbonNavy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon with bronze service starOrder of the Rising Sun, 2nd Class Navy Expert Pistol Shot MedalDeep Submergence Insignia in goldCommand at Sea insigniaOffice of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge