(This article originally appeared in the June 2026 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members who can log in to access our digital version and archive. Basic members can save on a membership upgrade and access the magazine.)

Cmdr. Rob Allen, USN, has always been drawn to understanding how and why things work. That curiosity, combined with the structure and purpose of military life, made service a natural fit for him.

“When I stepped aboard a Navy ship for the first time, I was immediately inspired. The technology, teamwork, and sense of mission made me want to be part of something bigger than myself,” he said.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Virginia Military Institute, where he was in ROTC, he commissioned in the Navy. He currently is an engineering duty officer assigned to Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, D.C., where he serves as the deputy principal assistant program manager for SPY-6, the Navy’s next-generation air and missile defense radar.

Path to Service

“I’ve always believed in the idea of contributing to something larger than myself,” Allen said. “The military offered a way to apply my engineering background to something that mattered to me: protecting people and advancing national security. I am proud to serve alongside my sister, who is an Army officer.”

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Professional Pride

“Helping to build the first Flight III destroyer equipped with the SPY-6 radar took years of technical problem-solving and teamwork to bring that capability to life. Watching the team overcome obstacles together and deliver new technology for the fleet continues to be incredibly rewarding.”

‘United by a Shared Purpose’

“I’ve been surprised by the incredible variety of personalities I’ve met over the years — serious, sensitive, funny, aggressive, thoughtful, and cooperative — all united by a shared purpose. Despite our differences, everyone serves for the same core reasons: supporting their country, their families, and each other.”