Rear Adm. Phillip G. Sawyer has been chosen as the new commander of the Pacific Fleet Submarine Force, based at Pearl Harbor.

Sawyer is currently commander of Submarine Group 7, based in Yokosuka, Japan, a job he has held since June 2011.

Sawyer, a native of Phoenix, graduated from the Naval Academy in 1983. He received a master’s degree in engineering management from Old Dominion University.

He has commanded the nuclear submarine USS La Jolla and Submarine Squadron 15 in Guam.

Sawyer also has led Submarine Force Atlantic. 

Sawyer’s awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Sawyer will be in charge of 18 nuclear submarines based at Pearl Harbor; 13 at Bangor, Wash.; six at San Diego; and three at Guam.