Bob Carey was born and raised in Birmingham, Michigan, outside of Detroit. After graduating from Brother Rice High School, he earned a degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania while also studying at the London School of Economics.
Upon graduation, Bob was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy, and embarked on almost 10 years of active duty service. Starting out as a Surface Warfare Officer on the USS COMTE DE GRASSE (DD-974), Bob transferred to Naval Aviation in 1988 as a Naval Flight Officer, and was selected for training as an A-6E “Intruder” Bombardier/Navigator. Assigned to “Bombing Buckeyes” of Attack Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE, the squadron immediately deployed onboard the USS AMERICA to support allied operations against Iraq in DESERT STORM. Bob flew over 35 combat missions to Iraq and Kuwait.
In 1993, Bob was assigned as the Middle East and South Asia Politico-Military Affairs Officer for the Chief of Naval Operations. Bob left active duty in 1995, but continues to serve as a Captain in the US Navy Reserves, having completed six commanding officer tours, and four post-9/11 recalls to active duty in support of Operations NOBLE EAGLE, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM.
Upon initially leaving active duty, Bob signed-on to the staff of then-Senator Spence Abraham, progressing from his Defense and Foreign Affairs Legislative Assistant, to Senior Legislative Assistant handling Budget, Tax, and Appropriations matters, and finally as Legislative Director. After Secretary Abraham left the Senate, Bob transferred to the Office of Senator George Allen where he served as Legislative Director.
Bob left Senator Allen’s office January 2002 for his first military mobilization. After his release from active duty in July 2002, Bob returned to public service as a Deputy Chief Financial Officer in the Department of Energy, handling all budget, management, and climate change issues for the Under Secretary of Energy, Science and Environment.
He was again recalled to active duty in February 2003 to serve as the Chief Staff Officer of the Navy’s Seaport Detachment in New York City, responsible for all naval operations in New York harbor, including Fleet Week. Bob again returned to the Department of Energy in November 2003 as a member of the Senior Executive Service, this time to take over as Program Director of the ailing Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program. Under his leadership, sick-worker claims processing increased 12-fold in six months, exceeding planned production by more than 20%, while simultaneously saving over $30 million through regulatory reforms.
In July 2004, Bob established Empire-Capitol Strategies, a strategic planning and policy advocacy consulting service, provided consulting services to Pfizer, Inc.’s Science and Medical Advocacy unit, the Secretary of Energy, two Senatorial campaigns, the US Department of Interior’s Minerals Management Service, and the Pew Charitable Trust. The firm’s development was interrupted for Bob’s third recall to active duty in October 2004, this time as Director of the Coalition Operations Center for US Naval Forces, Central Command in the Persian Gulf, and as the Fleet Commander’s Executive Assistant.
Bob returned to New York and Empire-Capitol Strategies in November 2005, when he was also named a Senior Fellow with the National Defense Committee, conducting in-depth research on current military and foreign affairs policy and homeland security/counter-terrorism issues. In 2007, Bob returned to active duty to assist in establishing a new Navy unit at the Naval War College tasked with teaching joint and multinational operational procedures to the US Navy Fleet staffs around the world. He recently completed the Senior Course at the National War College. Upon that release from active duty, Bob reestablished Empire-Capitol Strategies in Newport, Rhode Island.
During his military duty, Bob has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, four Air Medals (two with Combat “V” and two Strike/Flight), five Navy Commendation Medals (two with Combat “V”), the Navy Achievement Medal, as well as unit awards, campaign and service ribbons. As a civilian in the US Department of Energy, Bob was awarded the Department’s Special Act Service Award twice, the only member of the Secretary’s immediate staff so awarded.
He resides in Newport with his wife Anne and sons Kitts and Ridge.
