Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff, U.S. Naval Forces, Japan
Captain Rafael “Rafi” Facundo, native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, received his commission via Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL, in 1997. After completion of Surface Officer School in Newport, RI, he reported to his first assignment aboard the USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) where he served as the Weapons Division Officer. During his tour on USS Oak Hill, he earned his designation as a Surface Warfare Officer and completed a Sixth Fleet deployment.