NAVFAC Washington Leader Becomes First Black Civil Engineer Corps Rear Admiral

On November 13, Rear Admiral Dean VanderLey, Commander of NAVFAC, announced the selection of Tobias for a significant leadership role. Tobias, having led NAVFAC Washington since June 2023, is recognized for his notable facilities engineering acumen and leadership at a pivotal time for naval infrastructure development.

This appointment occurs amidst the Navy’s implementation of Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti’s Project 33. Launched in September 2024, this strategic initiative strives to enhance naval readiness through critical infrastructure improvements, aimed for completion by 2027. Tobias highlighted the project’s urgency, stating, “We must act decisively to restore our vital shore capabilities that project power.”

Tobias’s educational journey began at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, followed by training at the Officer Candidate School and Civil Engineer Corps Basic School. His career has consistently underscored the vital role of teamwork and a positive outlook in achieving mission goals.

Under Tobias’s leadership, NAVFAC Washington has aligned with Project 33’s ambitious targets, emphasizing infrastructure renewal, increased retention, and community engagement. He noted, “These goals are ambitious, but with our dedicated team including officers, enlisted personnel, civilians, and supporting families, we are poised to succeed.”

Central to Tobias’s leadership philosophy is teamwork. “We perform best as a unit,” he shared. “Everyone has off days; our strength lies in supporting each other to achieve excellence.” His message to junior officers and engineers is one of encouragement and opportunity, acknowledging their commitment and highlighting the exciting challenges laid out by the CNO.

Tobias recognizes the critical role of family support in his career, especially acknowledging his mother’s leadership model and his wife Toni’s unwavering support. “Serving in the Navy brings great joy but also demands sacrifices from our families who stand by us,” he reflected.

As Tobias steps into his new role, his focus remains steadfast on NAVFAC’s mission within Project 33 to revitalize and uphold the Navy’s infrastructure. His selection signals a crucial personal achievement and marks an important milestone for the Civil Engineer Corps and the wider Navy community.