Submarine Commander Bob Eichelberger

The FORGE Truth Podcast

Today we are joined by Commander Bob Eichelberger of the United States Navy, to talk about his career in the Navy and his commitment to protecting the marriages of the men under his command.
Bob went to the Naval Academy and completed nuclear power and submarine training in 1976 and reported to his first submarine assignment aboard USS FLYING FISH (SSN 673) in Norfolk, Virginia. During this tour, the ship was overhauled and conducted three deployments including one extended period under the arctic ice pack to the North Pole. In June 1980, he commenced a two-year tour as 24th Company Officer at the Naval Academy.

Commander Eichelberger made three deployments to the Western Pacific from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii while serving as Engineer Officer on USS SKATE (SSN 578) from July 1982 to November 1984, and then as Navigator and Operations Officer on USS BIRMINGHAM (SSN 695) until May 1986. He was then assigned to the staff of Chief of Naval Education and Training in Pensacola, Florida and served as Assistant Chief of Staff for Undersea Warfare Training.

Commander Eichelberger returned to sea duty in July 1988 as Executive Officer of the newly commissioned USS OKLAHOMA CITY (SSN 723) and completed the post shakedown shipyard availability and a deployment to the Mediterranean. In July 1990, he reported to the staff of Commander Submarine Squadron SIX where he served as Chief Staff Officer until December 1991.

Commander Eichelberger entered the Prospective Commanding Officer training pipeline in January 1992 and assumed command of USS KAMEHAMEHA (SSN 642) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in August 1992.

Commander Eichelberger is entitled to wear the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), the Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), the Navy Expeditionary Medal, and the Battle Efficiency "E" Ribbon (three awards).