Please join the CSIS International Security Program (ISP) and the U.S. Naval Institute on October 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for a Maritime Security Dialogue event featuring Vice Admiral James E. Pitts, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities. VADM Pitts will sit down with Rear Admiral Raymond A. Spicer, USN (Ret.), chief executive officer and publisher, U.S. Naval Institute, to discuss how the Navy is prioritizing innovation to enhance its current capabilities for its future needs. Dr. Seth G. Jones, president, Defense and Security Department, 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.
Vice Adm. James Pitts, a native of Milton, Florida, is a 1986 graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Following his first sea tour, he attended the Naval Postgraduate School where he earned a Master’s degree in National Security Affairs.
At sea, his first submarine assignment was aboard USS Grayling (SSN 646). Additionally, he was temporarily assigned to USS Plunger (SSN 595) for a Western Pacific deployment, where he qualified in submarines. Follow-on assignments include: navigator on USS Hammerhead (SSN 663); combat systems officer on USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 709); and executive officer of USS Tucson (SSN 770). His at-sea command assignments were as commanding officer of USS Tucson (SSN 770) and commander, Submarine Squadron Seven.
His shore and staff assignments include: Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, N87 Submarine Warfare Division; prospective executive officer instructor at Naval Submarine School; deputy commander for Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) Three; Program and Budget Branch chief on the Joint Staff; Strategic Studies Group CNO Fellow; Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, N8 Staff as the Planning, Programming & Development Branch head; executive assistant to N9; Undersea Warfighting Development Center, as Commander; and commander, Submarine Group Seven/Commander, Task Force 74/Commander, Task Force 54 in Yokosuka, Japan. Most recently, Pitts served as director, Warfare Integration, on the staff of the office of the Chief of Naval Operations. He assumed duties as the DCNO for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities in December 2023.
VADM Pitts’ awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign, and service awards.
