Ben Oakes

Ben is originally from Cedarburg, WI and has served as a Surface Warfare Officer for over 24 years.  He is currently the CO of USS NEW YORK (LPD 21) in Norfolk, VA.  Ben was a three-year starter and Captain of the 1999 team.  He was a two-time All-American 8-man and played in two Final Fours.  Ben has enjoyed a 17-year rugby career playing with 3 different Super League teams including Seattle and OMBAC.  Ben was a perennial starter for both the Combined Services and All-Navy team leading to his selection to the US National Team Player Pool in 2000-2001.  He was as a member of the US Eagles 7s team for their series in Wellington, NZ in 2001.  Ben also served as an assistant coach twice during tours at USNA and supports Navy Rugby through NRAA.