Captain Jeffrey Fassbender

COMMODORE
Commander, Submarine Squadron 7

Captain Jeff Fassbender graduated from Kansas State University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and received his commission through Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. He also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Villanova School of Business.

At sea, Captain Fassbender served as Division Officer on USS Annapolis (SSN 760) from March 2003 to April 2006; Engineer Officer on USS Houston (SSN 713) from January 2009 to October 2011; and Executive Officer on USS Bremerton (SSN 698) from January 2014 to May 2016.

He commanded USS Seawolf (SSN 21) from May 2021 to May 2023, completing a short-notice Pacific Fleet surge deployment and a seven-month Western Pacific deployment. During his command, his crew earned two CSDS-5 Battle Efficiency "E" awards, a Navy Unit Commendation, the 2022 Pacific Fleet Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award, and the 2023 Pacific Fleet Hugh McCracken Award. The exceptional performance of Seawolf's crew earned him the 2023 VADM James Bond Stockdale Award for inspirational leadership.

Ashore, Captain Fassbender served as Assistant Professor of Naval Science at Villanova University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC); Director of the Submarine Officer Advanced Course (SOAC) at Naval Submarine School; Naval Forces Analyst in the Joint Staff, J8 Warfighting Analysis Division; Military Aide to the President of the United States; and Prospective Commanding Officer Instructor (PCOI) for Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (5 awards), and Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards). He is entitled to wear the Presidential Service Badge and the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge.