The Rev. William Corby, C.S.C., Award - 2019: ADM Christopher W. Grady ’84, USN

Published on February 17, 2026

2019: ADM Christopher W. Grady ’84, USN

In recognition of his exemplary Naval service, including his current positions as Commander, United States Fleet Forces Command, United States Naval Forces Northern Command, and United States Naval Forces Strategic Command, Admiral Chris Grady ’84 was honored with this award.

Grady is Notre Dame’s first and only four-star flag or general officer, a seminal achievement for a university with such enduring connections to the armed forces. After graduation, he served in a variety of at-sea billets leading to command of USS Chief, USS Ardent, USS Cole, Destroyer Squadron 22, Carrier Strike Group One, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, the US Sixth Fleet, and Striking and Support Forces NATO.

Ashore, Grady is a distinguished graduate of Georgetown University and the National War College. He served in numerous policy and strategy billets with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Chief of Naval Operations, and the National Security Council at the White House.

Grady continues to serve Notre Dame through support of the Fencing Team, as mentor to the NROTC Unit, and lecturing at NDISC. His son, Lt. Nick Grady ’12, USN, represents the fifth generation of Grady naval officers.

"What does the Corby award mean to me? I am truly honored to be a Corby Award recipient, in the truest spirit of God, Country, Notre Dame, and the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. It was Notre Dame that set me on the transcendent path to be a disciplined, ethical warrior and leader, one who knows that peace and liberty are worth fighting for."

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