CDR Sean Welch

Commanding Officer, USS Oklahoma City

Commander Welch, a native of Colonie, New York, graduated from the University of Rochester in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. He worked in industry before earning his commission from Officer Candidate School in 2002.

He completed his first operational tour and Western Pacific Deployment aboard USS Chicago (SSN 721). He served as the combat systems officer aboard USS New Mexico (SSN 779) for six months before transferring to USS North Carolina (SSN 777) to complete her maiden Western Pacific deployment as the combat systems officer.

He last served at sea as executive officer of USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723).

Commander Welch is a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School, and has served ashore as the executive officer of the MARF Prototype at Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit Ballston Spa, New York, and Deputy Director of the Stockpile Services Division at the National Nuclear Security Administration. Most recently he served as the Deputy Commander for Material Readiness at Commander, Submarine Squadron 15. In September 2021, he reported to USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) to serve as the Commanding Officer.

Commander Welch has been awarded various personal and unit awards.