After 20 years of faithful and honorable service to the United States Navy, Commander Daniel Reddeg retires, leaving behind a distinguished career marked by dedication, leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to duty. Throughout his service, he exemplified the highest traditions of naval service while making lasting contributions to his command, his shipmates, and the nation he proudly served.

My 20 years of active-duty service finally came to a close this past Monday as I have officially retired from the Navy.

My journey took me from the halls of the United States Naval Academy with the best of roommates, Stephen Raulli and Paul Kepner, to the passageways of the National Security Agency, to the middle of Afghanistan supporting Naval Special Warfare (NSW) and the Tactical Information Operations (TIO) community worldwide. Along the way I lost some dear friends, but their memory is always with me, and I know I am a better person for having had them in my life. Today, on what would have been his 40th birthday, I’d like to especially remember Mike Strange – for the impact he had on me as a person and the impact he had on NSW Cryptology as a whole. Never Forget.

CDR Daniel Reddeg with CTR1 Michael J. Strange

It was a tremendous honor to end my career back here in San Diego as the Director of the Cryptologic Programs within NSW alongside incredible Senior Enlisted leaders such as Marcia Johnson and Ian Regnier. As I look back on my career and all that I had the opportunity to experience, all the people I worked with and for, and everything I learned along the way…I am extremely grateful.

CDR Daniel Reddeg with CTRCM Thaddeus “Thad” M. Morris (ret.)

As I look forward to the next adventure, I want to thank Palo Alto Networks and Steven Csutoros for giving me the chance to serve as a SOCOM Warrior Care Fellow on their team for the last few months – your mentorship has set me up extremely well for my next role working as a Cybersecurity leader within the financial industry. And to The Honor Foundation – the work you do for Special Operations Veterans is nothing short of amazing – THANK YOU to all the staff and volunteers who make it happen!

A huge thanks to everyone along the way – I couldn’t have made it without my family, friends, mentors, (and tormentors…you know who you are 😅). Fair Winds & Following Seas, it was one hell of a ride.