Navy Vice Admiral Richard Seif relieved Vice Admiral Robert Gaucher as commander of Submarine Forces and Submarine Force Atlantic during a change of command ceremony Feb. 20 as the latter gets ready to become a new submarine leader.
In January, the Senate confirmed Gaucher to become the first direct reporting portfolio manager for submarines, overseeing both the Virginia and Columbia-class boats, where he will report to Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Gaucher’s nomination to the new post in December.
In the new role, Seif will be the undersea domain lead and be responsible for the Submarine Force’s strategic vision as well as commanding all Atlantic-based U.S. subs. The Navy said the responsibilities also include being commander of Task Force 114, 88 and 46 while also serving as commander of Allied Submarine Command, where Seif will serve as the principal undersea warfare adviser to all NATO strategic commanders.
Gaucher has served as commander of the Submarine Force since December 2023.
“It has been a pleasure to come to work every day and lead the greatest submarine force in the world. From phenomenal Sailors to commanding officers,” Gaucher said during a change of command ceremony in Norfolk, Va.
Exchange Monitor affiliate Defense Daily first published a version of this article.