Director, Assessment Division, N81, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Rear Admiral Douglas W. Sasse, III serves as the Director of the Assessment Division (N81) in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. A native of Flint, Michigan, he is a 1993 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds advanced degrees in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School and National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. His early sea tours included service aboard USS Deyo (DD 989) and Commander, Destroyer Squadron 20, followed by roles as Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer on USS Hue City (CG 66), with multiple deployments across U.S. 5th and 6th Fleets in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
RADM Sasse served as an Associate Fellow with the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group, an Air Defense Instructor at Surface Warfare Officer School, and in several key reserve leadership roles across U.S. Forces Korea, Naval Forces Europe and Africa, Sixth Fleet, Naval Surface Forces Pacific, and Fourth Fleet. His command tours span multiple reserve units, including Destroyer Squadron 40, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic, Fleet Forces Command, and Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 2. He also mobilized as the Joint Operations Center Team Chief for U.S. Central Command Headquarters. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and other campaign and unit awards.