New Skipper For USS Farragut

Dugan took command in June of 2007. He led the Farragut through two major dry-dockings, the Basic Phase Training Cycle, fulfilling duties as Air Defense Commander for the george washington Carrier Strike Group, and most recently her maiden deployment in support of Partnership of the Americas 2008. Now it will be CDR Sobeck's turn to rise to the challenge of continuing Farragut's reputation for excellence and the fighting spirit evidenced in the ship's motto, "Prepared for Battle!"

Sobeck enlisted in October of 1985 as a Machinist Mate (nuclear). He was then appointed to the United States Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1991.

At sea, Sobeck has served on numerous ships in the Atlantic Fleet including Auxiliaries and Main Propulsion Assistant on USS Hawes (FFG 53), Plankowner and CIC Officer on USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), Operations Officer on USS McFaul (DDG 74) andOperations Officer on the staff of COMDESRON 50 and Commander Middle East Force. Sobeck's last sea assignment was Commanding Officer of MCM Crew Impervious embarked on USS Avenger (MCM 1) and USS Ardent (MCM 12).

Ashore, Sobeck has served as PERS 410(b) Bureau of Naval Personnel, Executive Assistant to the Commandant U.S. Naval Academy, and Fellow in the Washington DC Intern Program. Sobeck's last assignment was deputy director for Flag Officer management and detailing, BUPERS Liaison, Washington, D.C.

Dugan is a native of Flushing, New York. A 1988 graduate of the University of Rochester, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics. He received his officer commission through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Pro-gram. At sea, Commander Dugan served his division officer tour as Combat Information Center Officer and Damage Control Assistant in USS Leahy (CG 16). He served his department head tours as Operations Officer in USS Rentz (FFG 46), Operations Officer in Destroyer Squadron Seven (CDS 7), and First Lieutenant in USS Constellation (CV 64). He served as executive officer in USS Sides (FFG 14), deploying to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Ashore, Dugan served as a Cruise Missile Instructor during the standup of the Afloat Training Group Pacific. A 1995 graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School, he earned a Master of Science Degree in Business Management. After completing his Executive Officer tour, he attended the U.S. Naval War College and earned a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies with distinction in 2004. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College and has completed a tour as Operational Concepts Branch Chief on the Joint Staff/J-8/Joint Theater Air and Missile Defense Organization (JTAMDO).

He will continue his impressive naval career at the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Staff, Assessment Division.