CDR David A. Adams
COMMANDING OFFICER
USS SANTA FE (SSN 763)

Commander Adams is the son of Army Sergeant Major, enlisted in the Navy in 1985, and was commissioned through the Nuclear Enlisted Commissioning Program in 1991 after earning a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Commander Adams qualified submarines on USS Tennessee (SSBN 734B), served as Weapons Officer on USS Santa Fe (SSN 763), and was Executive Officer of USS Honolulu (SSN 718). During his tours these ships conducted five strategic deterrent patrols and three western Pacific deployments earning three Battle Efficiency awards, four Meritorious Unit Commendations, the Omaha Trophy, Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy, and Majorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award. 

Commander Adams’ first command was Joint Provincial Reconstruction Team Khost, Afghanistan from January 2007 to March 2008 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During his tour, Khost province was recognized by the Secretary of Defense as “a model of counterinsurgency success.” 

Ashore he served as an Associate Fellow on the CNO’s Strategic Studies Group, as Aide to Deputy Commander, Fleet Forces Command, and as Special Assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations and the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Commander Adams is a graduate of the Royal Navy’s “Perisher” Submarine Command Course. He received his Masters in Strategic Planning from Naval Postgraduate School earning the Navy League Award for highest academic achievement. His essays on strategy and leadership have merited the Vincent Astor, Battelle, Colin Powell, Arleigh Burke (2) and Alfred Thayer Mahan Awards.

Commander Adams’ decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (2) and Combat Action Ribbon.