Pacific Fleet Submarine Force Commander Joins Submarine Institute of Australia Conference Panel

Rear Adm. Rick Seif, commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, spoke as part of a trilateral submarine officer panel during the 12th Submarine Institute of Australia (SIA) Biennial Conference 2024, in Canberra, Australia, Nov. 6. Following his remarks about the capabilities of nuclear powered fast-attack submarines, Seif joined Royal Navy Rear Adm. Andrew Perks, Director Submarines, and Commodore Tom Phillips, commander of the Royal Australian Navy’s Submarine Force, in a discussion highlighting how operating SSNs can deter aggression. “Conventionally armed SSNs provide a strong and credible deterrent by creating doubt and uncertainty for any potential adversary,” said Seif. “Our speed means that we can cover tremendous distances quickly. Our stealth and endurance mean that we can operate undetected for months at a time, ceding no water space, and we are always ready to appear at a time of our choosing.”