Former Deputy Commander – U.S. Special Operations Command | Commander – Naval Special Warfare | Strategic Leader in Special Operations Transformation

Vice Admiral (Ret.) Tim Szymanski is a decorated Navy Special Warfare officer and transformational leader with over 36 years of service to the United States Navy and the Joint Special Operations community. Widely respected for his operational expertise and strategic vision, Szymanski most recently served as Deputy Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), where he helped lead the nation’s most elite military forces in global counterterrorism and national defense efforts.

A career Navy SEAL, Szymanski previously served as Commander of Naval Special Warfare (NSW), overseeing the readiness, development, and global deployment of all SEAL Teams, Special Boat Teams, and NSW support personnel. His leadership shaped the future of the community’s manning, training, and equipping systems across thousands of personnel.

Special Operations Leadership & Innovation

Over his distinguished career, Szymanski held command at every level of Naval Special Warfare, including:

• Commander, SEAL Team TWO

• Commander, Naval Special Warfare Group TWO

• Commander, Special Boat Unit 26

• Commander, a Special Operations Joint Task Force (Afghanistan)

• Deputy Commander, Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG)

• Deputy Director for Special Operations, Joint Staff J3

His operational experience spans multiple combat zones and high-risk theaters, where he led specialized forces in intelligence-driven, multi-domain missions. Szymanski is a graduate of BUD/S Class 161 and earned his SEAL Trident in 1989.

Strategic Contributions to Force Health & Resilience

As a senior flag officer, Szymanski prioritized long-term warfighter readiness. He implemented policies to baseline cognitive performance across the force and championed initiatives that addressed brain health, operational stress, and family resilience—advancing a more sustainable, human-focused future for the special operations enterprise.

Education & Early Life

A native of Wilmington, Delaware, Szymanski was a standout wrestler, representing the U.S. in international competition before entering the U.S. Naval Academy (Class of 1985). He later earned a Master’s in Joint Campaign Planning and Strategy from the Joint Advanced Warfighting School in Norfolk, VA.

Legacy & Impact

Throughout his service, Vice Admiral Szymanski has been a quiet architect of operational excellence, talent development, and health innovation inside the special operations community. His leadership bridged tactical experience with strategic foresight—ensuring that both warriors and their families remain prepared for the demands of modern warfare. He continues to advise and support initiatives focused on national defense, special operations readiness, and leadership development.

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