Rear Adm. (Select) Omarr Tobias has made history by becoming the first Black flag officer in the Civil Engineer Corps of the U.S. Navy. This promotion highlights his leadership as the Commanding Officer of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Washington, where he has already made significant strides in improving naval infrastructure.
Advancing Navy Infrastructure Under Project 33
Tobias’s promotion comes at a pivotal moment for the Navy, as it implements Project 33, an initiative launched by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti. Project 33 outlines seven critical targets aimed at enhancing naval readiness by 2027, with a key focus on restoring shore-based infrastructure.
“Our job is to assess and communicate risks associated with our infrastructure,” Tobias said. “We must mitigate those risks to ensure readiness.” Under Tobias’s leadership, NAVFAC Washington has aligned its efforts with Project 33, working to modernize and maintain critical infrastructure that supports naval operations from the shore.
Tobias emphasized the urgency of this mission, stating, “The future requires us to act now. We have big goals, and I love to achieve big, audacious goals.”
Leadership Built on Teamwork and Resilience
A graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Tobias joined the Navy through its collegiate program. He later attended Officer Candidate School and the Civil Engineer Corps Basic School. His career has been marked by a strong emphasis on teamwork and maintaining a positive attitude.
“Human beings function best when we work together as a team,” Tobias explained. “There might be days when I’m not at my best, but my team lifts me up. And when they need support, I’m there to lift them.”
Tobias’s leadership philosophy has led to increased retention rates at NAVFAC Washington and stronger community engagement. His ability to foster teamwork and resilience has prepared NAVFAC to tackle the Navy’s ambitious goals.
A Legacy of Family Support and Mentorship
Tobias credits much of his success to his family, particularly his mother, who he describes as his first leadership role model. His wife, Toni, has also been a steadfast supporter throughout his naval career.
“Serving in the Navy is a joy, but it’s also a sacrifice,” Tobias noted. “Our families are the ones who support us while we serve. Their love and encouragement make it possible for us to succeed.”
In addition to family, Tobias is committed to mentoring junior officers and engineers. He encourages them to embrace challenges and seize opportunities within the Corps. “Thank you for your service,” he said. “This is a great time to be in the Corps, with exciting challenges ahead.”
Preparing for New Challenges as Rear Admiral
As Tobias transitions to his new role as Rear Admiral (Lower Half), he remains focused on NAVFAC’s mission within the framework of Project 33. His goal is to ensure the Navy’s infrastructure is ready to meet future challenges and sustain naval operations well beyond 2027.
His promotion is not just a personal milestone but a significant achievement for the Civil Engineer Corps and the broader Navy community. It marks a step forward in both representation and leadership in one of the Navy’s most critical branches.
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