Fowler Assumes Command of U.S. Naval Academy

Vice Adm. Jeffrey L. Fowler relieved Vice Adm. Rodney P. Rempt as Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy during a change of command ceremony held in Alumni Hall on June 8. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen praised Rempt’s accomplishments during his four years at the Naval Academy, commending his focus on developing midshipmen as combat leaders of character.

“As a Naval Academy grad, I want to thank you for all that you have done for my alma mater, the naval services, and the nation,” Mullen said. “Throughout the turmoil of change, you never lost sight of what the American people entrusted you to do: to morally, mentally, and physically develop young men and women who will lead.” Rempt, a surface warfare officer and a 1966 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, became the 59th superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy in August 2003.

“I am eternally indebted to the finest faculty in the country,” said Rempt. “Pam [Rempt] and I are going to miss you all, but we will especially miss the midshipmen.” Rempt read his orders and ordered his flag hauled down before relinquishing command to Fowler, who most recently served as director, Naval Europe Plans and Operations; deputy 6th Fleet; commander Submarines, Allied Naval Forces South; commander, Submarine Group 8/Task Force 69/Task Force 164.

Fowler, a career submariner and 1978 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, has served in a variety of command positions afloat and ashore, including submarine tactics instructor at Naval Submarine Training Center, and commander Submarine Squadron 3, deploying to the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian and Arctic oceans, and the Persian Gulf. “I am honored and humbled to be selected as the superintendent of the Naval Academy,” said Fowler. “I am here to serve with you to carry out our mission as we take care of our midshipmen and this wonderful institution.”

Fowler has master’s degrees in business administration from Chaminade University of Honolulu and in public administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He is also a graduate of the Syracuse University National Security Studies program and was a military fellow on the Council on Foreign Relations, of which he is now a lifetime member.

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Lussier, U.S. Naval Academy Public Affairs