Our Next Speaker

Rear Admiral Adam “Kujo” Kijek , Director, Operations and Plans (OPNAV N3) Office of the Chief of Naval Operations 

Rear Adm. Adam Kijek is a native of Richmond, Virginia. He graduated with merit from the United States Naval Academy in 1995 and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1997. He earned a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies and graduated with distinction from the Naval War College in 2006. 

His sea duty assignments include an operational tour with Patrol Squadron (VP) 47; flag lieutenant to commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet; department head, VP 46, where he deployed to U.S. Fifth Fleet conducting combat missions in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; executive officer and then commanding officer of VP-46, during which the squadron deployed to Bahrain in support of operations in the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of responsibility  and won the Battle “E”, CNO Safety Award, and Golden Wrench Maintenance Award; and the 43rd commanding officer of VP-30, earning the Ellyson Award. 

Shore assignments include duty as an instructor pilot, Evaluator, and Formation instructor with VP-30; assistant Washington DC placement officer and then Washington District of Columbia placement branch head with Navy Personnel Command (PERS-441); deputy executive assistant and executive assistant to the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS); executive assistant to the 19th CJCS; and executive assistant to the Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. 

He assumed the duties and responsibilities as director, Operations and Plans (OPNAV N3) in May 2021. 

Kijek’s personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and various campaign and service awards. However, he is most proud of those awards that recognize unit operational excellence.