CRANE – Captain Rex Boonyobhas was sworn in as the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) Commanding Officer during a ceremony at NSWC Crane on August 16, 2023.
“It is an honor to have been selected to lead NSWC Crane and its incredible workforce.” says Captian Boonyobhas, “With their knowledge and expertise in Strategic Missions, Electronic Warfare, and Expeditionary Warfare, I look forward to watching how our skills and technology will be used to empower the warfighter.”
After completing Officer Candidate School Capt. Boonyobhas was stationed on the USS ALEXANDRIA (757) where he completed two deployments and a Depot Modernization Period. He also served as the Reactor Controls Assistant, Main Propulsion Assistant, and Assistant Weapons Officer while aboard the submarine. Capt Boonyobhas would then go on to serve on the USS ALABAMA (SSBN 731) (BLUE) where he was the Strategic Weapons Officer. While aboard, he completed an Engineering Refueling Overhaul, Demonstration and Shakedown Operations, Strategic load-out, and three strategic patrols which in turn qualified CAPT Boonyobhas for command of submarines. Capt. Boonyobhas was also selected as an Engineering Duty Officer and as a Deputy Project Superintendent for the USS SEAWOLF (SSN 21).
He reported to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility where he was the Deputy Business and Strategic Planning Officer. Following his time in Washington, Capt. Boonyobhas served as Maintenance Readiness and Improvement Officer, Production Resources Officer, and then as Operations Officer. Before arriving at NSWC Crane, Capt. Boonyobhas was serving as the Business and Strategic Planning Officer at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility.
Capt. Boonyobhas is a native of Silver Springs, Maryland and prior to entering the Navy, earned his Bachelor of Science in Astronomy from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Mississippi. He also holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Captian Boonyobhas relieved Captain Duncan McKay, who has been NSWC Crane’s Commanding Officer since July 1, 2020.
“It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve and lead NSWC Crane these past three years,” states Capt. McKay. “During my time here, I have been able to witness the tremendous work that Crane provides to the warfighter through their work in the three mission areas. I would like to extend my thanks to Crane and the greater community for their Hoosier Hospitality and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for NSWC Crane.”
During the ceremony, Capt. McKay received a Sagamore of the Wabash award from Senator Messmer, which is one of Indiana’s highest honorary awards.
Along with leaving NSWC Crane, Captain Mckay will also be retiring from the United States Navy after 27 years of dedicated service.
About NSWC Crane | NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with mission areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions, and Electronic Warfare. The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi-spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today’s Warfighter.
Join Our Team! NAVSEA employs a diverse, highly trained, educated, and skilled workforce – from students and entry-level employees to experienced professionals and individuals with disabilities. We support today’s sophisticated Navy and Marine Corps ships, aircraft, weapon systems, and computer systems. We are continuously looking for engineers, scientists, IT, and cyber specialists, as well as trade and other support professionals to ensure the U.S. Navy can protect and defend America. Please contact NSWC Crane Human Resources at crane_recruiting@navy.mil
