Rear Adm. Pete Small is a native of Tabernacle, New Jersey. He was commissioned from the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) at the University of Virginia where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in mechanical engineering. He also has Naval Engineer and Master of Science degrees in mechanical engineering from MIT and a Master of Science in operations research from Columbia University. He is a Professional Engineer in Virginia.

As a submarine officer, Small served aboard USS L. Mendel Rivers (SSN 686) and then as assistant professor of naval science at the State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College and Fordham University NROTC.

After a lateral transfer to the Engineering Duty Officer (EDO) community, Small served across all phases of ship and submarine design and construction. He oversaw Virginia-class submarine construction and Los Angeles-class submarine repair at Supervisor of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIP) Newport News, Virginia, and later served as the Program Manager’s Representative for Virginia-class submarine construction at SUPSHIP Groton, Conn.

In 2010, Rear Adm. Small was appointed Associate Professor of the Practice in the mechanical engineering department at MIT and taught ship and submarine design in the graduate Naval Construction and Engineering (Course 2N) curriculum. He continues to teach submarine design in the MIT Professional Summer program.

In NAVSEA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., Small served in the Advanced Undersea Systems program office, Columbia-class submarine program office, and AUKUS nuclear powered submarine consultation team.

Rear Adm. Small served as Major Program Manager of the Unmanned Maritime Systems program and later stood up the New Attack Submarine (SSN(X)) program. In 2024, he was promoted to Flag rank and assigned as the Chief Engineer and Deputy Commander for Naval Systems Engineering of the Naval Sea Systems Command. In May 2025, he assumed command of the Naval Surface and Undersea Warfare Centers and continues to serve in both roles.

Small’s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit (third award), Meritorious Service Medal (fourth award), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (fourth award), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (fourth award).

Last Updated: 11 June 2025