On July 27, 2011, the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) begins an important new chapter with the appointment of Vice Admiral Peter H. Daly, U.S. Navy (Ret.) as the professional society’s Chief Executive Officer.
Daly served from August 2008 until June 2011 as Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. He brings more than 30 years experience as a commissioned naval officer, to include command of the destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59); Commander, Destroyer Squadron 31; and Commander, Carrier Strike Group 11. He has also served as Deputy for Resources and Acquisition (J-8), Office, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and as Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy.
Daly is a Life Member of USNI, a former member of the Institute’s Board of Directors/Editorial Board, a participant in the Institute’s seminars, and a contributor to Proceedings magazine. In applauding these credentials, Steve Waters, Chairman of the Institute’s Board of Directors, says “Admiral Pete Daly is a distinguished Naval leader who believes deeply in the Naval Institute’s uniquely important role, and he is dedicated to guiding it to a future of even greater relevance.”
“Daly has a wealth of talents,” Waters said, “that makes him ideal for this position. Since 1873, the Naval Institute has served as an independent forum advancing an understanding of Sea Power and other issues critical to national security. Pete Daly is committed to carrying the message of the importance of the Sea Services across the nation and around the world.”
Donald Brennan, head of the USNI Board search committee, was also strong in his praise. “Admiral Daly leads and speaks with the authority of experience and knowledge. He knows the present and future challenges and opportunities before the Sea Services. He has an eye to making the Institute fully relevant to today’s audience. He understands and will underline the benefits that come with Institute membership. Pete’s goal is to have every Sailor wake up each morning wanting to see what subjects the Institute is addressing as the key issues of the day.”
About Daly’s selection, Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James F. Amos, said, "[My wife] Bonnie and I welcome Vice Admiral Daly as the new CEO of USNI and wish him the very best as he puts his hand on the tiller of this fine organization.”
Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Gary Roughead, a USNI member, said, "I applaud the U.S. Naval Institute on the appointment of Vice Admiral Pete Daly as Chief Executive Officer. Pete is a true professional who brings to USNI a great perspective, intellect and experience leading Sailors from the deckplates to Fleet headquarters. His vision and leadership will benefit the Naval Institute and its members, and will further the national discourse about our naval services."
Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr., also a member of USNI, echoed Adm. Roughead’s sentiments, saying, “I am pleased with the announcement of Vice Admiral Pete Daly as the new Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Naval Institute. Pete will ably guide the Institute as an independent forum that is the preeminent intellectual contributor to matters of Sea Power and National Security.”
Daly, commenting on his appointment, said: “I am honored and privileged to be selected as the 52nd CEO of the U.S. Naval Institute – an organization my father introduced to me as a young boy through the Proceedings and the many books published by the Naval Institute Press. In the coming months, we will reach out to you for your inputs and insights on how to make the Naval Institute more relevant to naval professionals and members. We will listen. We value your ideas and ask for your active participation to deliver on those ideas.”
Daly succeeds Major General Thomas L. Wilkerson, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) who served as Institute CEO from 2003 – 2011. The Board of Directors thanked Wilkerson for his leadership and able service.