Gaucher had served as Commander, Submarine Forces since December 2023. As Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic, he oversaw all Atlantic-based U.S. submarines, their crews and supporting shore activities, and served as commander of Task Force 114, Task Force 88 and Task Force 46, as well as commander of Allied Submarine Command, where he advised NATO strategic commanders on undersea warfare.
“It has been a pleasure to come to work every day and lead the greatest submarine force in the world,” said Gaucher. “From phenomenal Sailors to commanding officers.”
Gaucher will continue his naval service as the first Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Submarines. In that role, he will oversee production of Virginia- and Columbia-class submarines.
“It’s been an incredible honor to lead SUBFOR,” said Gaucher. “God bless the submarine force, the U.S. Navy, and the United States of America.”
Admiral James Foggo, retired, served as guest speaker at the ceremony and offered congratulations to both leaders. Foggo previously served as commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa.
“I proudly served in the United States Navy with Vice Adm. Rob Gaucher and Vice Adm. Rich Seif,” said Foggo. He also wished Seif success as he assumed command of the Submarine Force.
Seif has served aboard five nuclear fast-attack submarines during his career. While commanding USS Buffalo (SSN 715), his crew earned the Navy Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, two Battle Efficiency awards and the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy, and he also commanded USS Jacksonville (SSN 699) during a deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility, in addition to serving as Commodore of Submarine Squadron One.
Before taking command of Submarine Forces, Seif served as Director for AUKUS Integration and Acquisition. His previous assignments include Chief of Staff to Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Commander, Undersea Warfighting Development Center; military assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities; deputy chief of staff for operations for Submarine Group Seven (Task Force 74); and the Navy’s national director of submarine and nuclear power recruiting.
“We are America’s undersea arsenal. We are a global undersea response force, and we will cede no battle. We are the Navy’s unseen shield, and unseen sword, America’s first line of defense, and offense against those who would disrupt and destabilize the rules based order,” said Seif.
“We are men and women of action, and we have the watch. Should deterrence fail, we will be on the scene, ready, upon order, alongside our allies and partners,” he added.
U.S. Submarine Forces execute the Department of the Navy’s mission in and from the undersea domain. Submarines and their crews provide operational, deterrent and combat effects enabled by undersea concealment and remain the primary undersea arm of the Navy.
