Vice Adm. Seif is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is a 1992 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering. He also holds a master’s degree in business administration from the College of William and Mary's Mason School of Business..

His operational assignments include division officer aboard USS Newport News (SSN 750), engineer officer and combat systems officer aboard USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723), and executive officer aboard USS Houston (SSN 713). As commanding officer of USS Buffalo (SSN 715), homeported in Guam, his crew was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, two Battle Efficiency awards, and the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy. As commanding officer of USS Jacksonville (SSN 699), he completed a U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet deployment. As a major commander, he served as Commodore, Submarine Squadron One in Pearl Harbor, HI.

Vice Adm. Seif’s staff assignments include chief of staff to Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; military assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities; deputy chief of staff for operations for Submarine Group Seven/Task Force 74; the Navy's national director of submarine and nuclear power recruiting; board member and executive officer of the Fleet Forces Command Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board; and flag aide to Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet/Submarine Allied Command Atlantic.

Prior to his assignment as commander, Submarine Forces, Vice Adm. Seif served as Director, AUKUS Integration and Acquisition. His previous Flag assignments include Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet/Task Force 34; Commander, Submarine Group Seven/Task Force 54/Task Force 74; and Commander, Undersea Warfighting Development Center.

VADM Seif assumed his current duties in February 2026 as commander, Submarine Forces. He is the undersea domain lead and is responsible for the submarine force's strategic vision. As commander, Submarine Force Atlantic, he commands all Atlantic-based U.S. submarines, their crews, and supporting shore activities. These responsibilities also include duties as commander, Task Force (CTF) 114, CTF 88, and CTF 46. As commander, Allied Submarine Command, he is the principal undersea warfare advisor to all North Atlantic Treaty Organization strategic commanders.

His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards), Legion of Merit (six awards), Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards). He has served with crews that have earned seven Battle Efficiency awards, two Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophies, and various unit and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 20 February 2026