Ivo Värk was born on 26th of June 1974 in Estonia. He joined Estonian Armed forces as conscript in 1992.
Upon completion of his naval officer’s studies at German Naval Officer’s School in 1998 he served on several positions on Estonian naval vessels. During his onboard service he also
completed Mine Warfare Staff Officer’s course at Belgium-Netherlands Mine Warfare School and several tactical courses abroad.
He served as executive and commanding officer of minehunter Wambola. His onboard duty took him to various international deployments and exercises including tours as part of Baltic Naval Mine Countermeasures Squadron (BALTRON).
Following the handover of Commanding Officer duties of ENS Wambola in 2003 he was assigned to position of staff officer in operations department of Estonian Navy HQ.
After been promoted to the rank of Commander he was appointed to the position of COS of Estonian Navy HQ in 2008.
From 2012 to 2015 Commander Värk served in Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) as staff officer training in training and exercise (NTREX) department. His primary responsibility in the NATO’s Maritime HQ was collective training and exercises.
Following his posting to NATO Maritime Command he was appointed to Baltic Defence College as Estonian Senior National Representative and the lecturer of Maritime and Joint Operations.
Returning to Estonian Navy Commander Värk served from July 2018 to July 2019 in Estonian Navy as COS Estonian Naval Flotilla.
On 5th of July 2019 he was appointed to position of Commander of Estonian Naval Flotilla and Deputy Commander of Estonian Navy.
Upon return from United States Naval War College he was promoted to rank of Captain and appointed to position of Head of Analysis and Planning Department (J5) of Estonian Defence Forces.
Captain Värk was promoted to rank of Commodore in June 2024 and appointed to position of the Commander of the Estonian Navy.
Commodore Värk holds Bachelor’s degree in Military Leadership from Estonian National Defence College and Master`s degree in International Relations from Salve Regina University.
His military career has involved participation in various international military and security endeavours and forums. He has represented Estonian military in several NATO and regional working groups and initiatives.
He is fluent in four languages - Estonian, English, German and Russian.
He is married to Liana and is father of two - son Kenert and daughter Freia.
On his free time he is passionate about sports, including cross country skiing, cycling and running, books and motorsports.