One SEAL Replaces Another at Naval Special Warfare Command

Rear Adm. Brian L. Losey relieved Rear Adm. Sean A. Pybus as commander, Naval Special Warfare Command during a change of command ceremony Friday at the Naval Amphibious Base in Coronado.

Adm. William H. McRaven, commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, was the guest speaker for the ceremony. In his remarks, McRaven praised Pybus' leadership within Naval Special Warfare (NSW).

"In the midst of all the challenging times, Sean's SEALs, combatant-craft crewmen and NSW Sailors have contributed to the fight in Afghanistan, East Africa, Yemen, North Africa, the Philippines and countless other hot spots around the world," McRaven said. "We have earned a reputation that is unparalleled, primarily because Sean has led the effort to ensure we send the best selected, the best trained, the best equipped and the best supported Naval Special Warfare warriors ever."

Pybus will leave CNSWC to command NATO's special operations headquarters in Brussels. He will be promoted to vice admiral in his new assignment.

Pybus, a career SEAL officer, has previously served at the U.S. Joint Special Operations Command and the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), among other assignments.

"All good things must end," Pybus said at the ceremony, "and there are new beginnings today."

Pybus' time at CNSWC was marked by an emphasis on a return to the community's maritime roots and a focus on caring for the NSW force and families.

McRaven said he was impressed by Pybus' efforts to take care of those under his command.

"His personal efforts regarding the preservation of the force and families and the success that accompanied the hard work made NSW the model program for the Navy and for U.S. Special Operations Command," McRaven said.

Pybus was relieved by Losey, another career SEAL officer. Losey most recently served as commander, Special Operations Command Africa. A 1983 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Losey also served as commander, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti and as a director on the National Security Council in the Executive Office of the President. 

Losey said he was honored to take command from Pybus.

"The place produces warriors that are intensely focused and committed," Losey said at the ceremony. "The complex and dynamic security situations that are evolving around the world today will continue to call on the full extent of our commitment, our creativity and our adaptability," Losey said. "We will build on the course that Admiral Pybus has set for this community."

NSW is comprised of approximately 8,900 personnel, including more than 2,400 active-duty SEALs, 700 Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, 700 reserve personnel, 4,100 support personnel and more than 1,100 civilians.

Special Warfare Command in San Diego leads the Navy's special operations force and the maritime component of the Special Operations Command, headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Fla.


– From a Navy news release.