Philip E. Sobeck, U.S. Navy
Rear Admiral, Philip E. Sobeck
Rear Admiral Sobeck shares his military history in the U.S. Navy and his current role as RDML Commander of the Military Sealift Command (M.S.C.). He also speaks of our countries 250 Anniversary of the U.S. Merchant Marine, and how the USMM is not well known or understood as the integral part of our Maritime Nation’s all important supply chain and huge role it plays in our countries economic and military strength, "In Peace and War."
Philip E. Sobeck enlisted in 1985 as a Machinist Mate (Nuclear). After his appointment and graduation from the United States Naval Academy class of 1991 he was commissioned as an. His first duty station was onboard USS HAWES (FFG 53), where he deployed to the SIXTH Fleet Area of Operations. CAPT Sobeck became the Military Assistant to the 76″ Secretary of the Navy in August 2017.
At sea, CAPT Sobeck served aboard USS HAWES (FFG 53), USS GONZALEZ (DDG 66), USS McFAUL (DDG 74), COMDESRON FIFTY (CDS 50), and FIRST COMBINED US-UK DESTROYER SQUADRON (1 CDS) embarked on HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75). CAPT Sobeck has commanded USS AVENGER (MCM 1), USS ARDENT (MCM 12), USS FARRAGUT (DDG 99), and COMDESRON FIFTY (CDS 50), CTF 55.
Ashore, CAPT Sobeck has served as PERS 410B, Bureau of Naval Personnel, Executive Assistant (EA) to the Commandant of Midshipman, Deputy Director for Maritime Security (PM/ISO) U.S. State Department, EA to CNO’s Executive Learning Officer, Deputy Director Flag Officer Management and Detailing (PERS NOOF), Senior Military Assistant to USD P&R, Deputy EA to U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and OPNAV N3/N5’s Director, Future Fleet Design and Architecture (N501). As a Washington DC Naval Fellow, CAPT Sobeck earned his Master of Arts in Organizational Management from George Washington University. He was also selected as a fellow for MIT’s Seminar XXI Strategic Studies Program in 2007.
His awards are based on being surrounded by incredible shipmates and they include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.
USAWS Exec. Producer Ross Rowlinson invited RDML Sobeck to interview during the American Merchant Marine Veterans Organization’s (AMMV) 2025 National Convention held this past April 2nd to 6th in Norfolk, Va.
