CAPT Robert W. McFarlin IV

Commanding Officer, USS CHOSIN (CG 65)

21 January 2025 A native of Detroit, Michigan, CAPT Robert “Mac” McFarlin was raised in Denver, Colorado. He is a Notable Graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy class of 2000 where he earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. He also holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Rochester’s Simon School of Business.

At sea, he served as Damage Control Assistant onboard USS RAVEN (MHC 61) and as Assistant Weapons Officer onboard USS RAMAGE (DDG 61). His Department Head tours were Operations Officer onboard USS FARRAGUT (DDG 99) and Combat Systems Officer onboard USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CG 58).

CAPT McFarlin commanded PC Crew HOTEL, embarked in USS TYPHOON (PC 5), forward deployed to the Arabian Gulf. He also served as commanding officer of USS BENFOLD (DDG 65), home-ported in Yokosuka, Japan. During both command tours, his crews earned the Battle “E” and the Golden Anchor Retention Excellence awards.

Ashore he served as Assistant Professor of Naval Science at the University of Rochester, PostDepartment Head Detailer at Navy Personnel Command (PERS 41), the Executive Assistant to the Chief of Legislative Affairs, and as the Sixth Battalion Officer at the United States Naval Academy. Most recently, he was the Military Deputy to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Platforms and Weapons Portfolio Management). 

CAPT McFarlin was a White House Fellow where he was assigned to the National Economic Council in the Executive Office of the President. He is currently serving as the Commanding Officer of USS CHOSIN (CG 65). 

He is authorized to wear the Presidential Service Badge. His personal awards include the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and the U.S. Naval League Leadership Award.