The Future of Naval Aviation: A Conversation with VADM Cheever

August 26, 2025 • 10:00 – 11:00 am EDT

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Defense and Security , Maritime Security Dialogue

Please join the CSIS Defense and Security Department (DSD) and the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) for a Maritime Security Dialogue event featuring VADM Daniel L. Cheever, USN, Commander, Naval Air Forces/Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. RADM Raymond A. Spicer, USN (Ret.), chief executive officer and publisher, U.S. Naval Institute, will moderate the conversation. The pair will discuss how the Navy is preparing for the future of naval aviation and what steps the service needs to take to remain competitive in the changing landscape of 21st century warfare. Kari A. Bingen, director, Aerospace Security Project, will offer opening remarks. 

The Maritime Security Dialogue series brings together CSIS and the U.S. Naval Institute, two of the nation's most respected non-partisan institutions. The series highlights the unique challenges facing the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard from national level maritime policy to naval concept development and program design. Given budgetary challenges, technological opportunities, and ongoing strategic adjustments, the nature and employment of U.S. maritime forces are likely to undergo significant change over the next ten to fifteen years. The Maritime Security Dialogue provides an unmatched forum for discussion of these issues with the nation’s maritime leaders.

This event is made possible by support from HII. 

Photo: CSIS

VADM Daniel L. Cheever, USN

Vice Adm. Dan “Undra” Cheever is a native of Downers Grove, Illinois and is a 1986 graduate of Western Illinois University with a bachelor of business degree. After college, he worked for a Fortune 500 corporation and attended the University of Hawaii. He joined the Navy in 1988 and was designated a naval aviator in 1990.

Cheever’s sea tours include command of Carrier Strike Group FOUR; CAG tour with Carrier Air Wing EIGHT (CVW 8) from 2012 to 2015; commanding officer tour with Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA 147) from 2005 to 2008; department head tour with VFA-147 from 2000 to 2002; Strike Fighter Tactics instructor tour with VFA-146 from 1998 to 2000; junior officer tour with VFA-195 in Atsugi, Japan from 1991 to 1995. He served as the naval amphibious liaison element for Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet at and as battle director at Combined Air and Space Operations Center, U.S. Central Command in 2011.

His shore tours include Commander, Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center, 2017 to 2019; Chief of Staff to Commander, Naval Air Forces, 2015 to 2017; department head for TOPGUN and Strike at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, 2008 to 2011; aide de camp to General Richard B. Myers, U.S. Air Force, 15th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 2002 to 2004; instructor, Navy Fighter Weapons School, 1995 to 1998; VFA-125, 1990 to1991.

Cheever served as Director of J5 Strategy, Policy & Plans and as Chief of Staff, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command from 2020-2023. He is currently serving as Commander, Naval Air Forces and Commander, Naval Air Forces, Pacific Fleet. Cheever has accumulated over 5,000 flight hours and over 1,100 carrier-arrested landings. His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (three awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Air Medal Strike/Flight and various campaign, unit and service awards.

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Defense and Security, Maritime Issues and Oceans, and Military Technology

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VADM Daniel L. Cheever, USN

VADM Daniel L. Cheever, USN

Commander, Naval Air Forces/Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
Rear Admiral Raymond A. Spicer, USN (Ret.)

RADM Ray Spicer, USN (Ret.)

Chief Executive Officer and Publisher, U.S. Naval Institute

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