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Early Life and Education Born circa 1941, Paul Edward Tobin, Jr. attended Lawrenceville School before graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1963. He married Lynne Carter Tobin from Shaker Heights, Ohio, and they have two daughters.
Following graduation from the Naval Academy, Tobin reported to USS Towers (DDG-9) where he served as First Lieutenant and Main Propulsion assistant. After graduating with distinction from the Naval Destroyer School in 1966, he was assigned as Engineer Officer in USS Davis (DD-937) where he was awarded a Bronze Star for operations associated with the salvage of USS Liberty (AGTR-5) after that ship sustained heavy combat damage in the 1967 Mideast War.
In 1968, he commenced postgraduate studies at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, which culminated in a Master of Science degree in Computer Systems Management. In 1970, he joined the staff of Naval Destroyer School as head of the Technical Training Branch and as an engineering instructor in the Department Head and PCO/PXO Departments.
Tobin reported as Aide and Flag Secretary to the Commander, Naval Forces Vietnam in 1971. He returned to sea duty in 1973 as Executive Officer in USS Koelsch (FF-1049). Following this assignment, he reported as Aide and Flag Lieutenant to the President of the Naval War College and subsequently graduated with distinction from the Naval Command and Staff course.
In 1976, he reported to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations and served in the Systems Analysis Division (OP-96). In 1979, he assumed command of USS Tattnall (DDG-19), where he completed two Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf deployments. In 1981, he reported as Chief Engineer in USS Forrestal (CV-59), where he served for two years and participated in the 1981 Gulf of Sidra operations, two Mediterranean deployments and the initial phase of the Carrier Service Life Extension Program. In 1984, he graduated with distinction from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C.
In August 1990, he assumed command of Naval Surface Group, Western Pacific, Task Force 73, and Task Force 75. In this capacity he oversaw the reorganization of naval surface forces in the Western Pacific. He then assumed the duties as Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel, Personal Readiness and Community Support (Pers-6) in September 1992. In June 1994, Rear Admiral Tobin assumed his duties as Vice Chief of Naval Education and Training. His final assignment was Oceanographer of the Navy (1996-1998).
After retiring from active duty in 1998, Rear Admiral Tobin became the Executive Director of the Educational Foundation of the Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association (AFCEA) in Fairfax, Virginia. From July 2005 to June 2008, Rear Admiral Tobin served as the 11th Director of Naval History.
Rear Admiral Tobin's personal Awards include: Two Distinguished Service Medals, four Legions of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, and three Navy Commendation Medals.
During his post-retirement years, Tobin became involved in historical analysis of naval incidents. In 2002, he reviewed materials related to the USS Liberty incident, writing that any competent officer would have been able to identify the unique U.S. ship and would have been repulsed by the idea of attacking a lightly armed vessel.
Rear Admiral Paul E. Tobin, Jr. represents a distinguished naval career spanning 35 years of active duty, from junior officer assignments through senior flag rank positions, culminating in his service as a senior naval historian and educator in retirement.
Rear Admiral's Dress Blue Uniform in the Sons of Liberty Museum Collection.
Gold Surface Warfare Officer Badge
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