Ashland native serves as 2nd-in-command of nuclear-powered submarine

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was authored by Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach.

KINGS BAY, Ga. – Cmdr. Brian Gottfried, a native of Ashland, Ohio, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Georgia at Naval Submarine Base (NSB) Kings Bay.

As a submariner, Gottfried is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.

Gottfried serves as the executive officer aboard USS Georgia, which is the officer second in command.

Gottfried graduated from Ashland High School in 2004.

“I learned the importance of academics and that there are opportunities to see the world even if you grow up in a nice small town like Ashland,” Gottfried said.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of South Carolina in 2011 and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Naval Postgraduate School in 2016.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Ashland.

Gottfried joined the Navy 21 years ago.

“I wanted to serve my country,” Gottfried said. “I wanted to go to college, but did not want to accumulate a lot of debt. I enlisted in the Navy as a machinist’s mate and then got selected for the Seaman to Admiral program after I finished my initial training and had volunteered to teach nuclear power training.”

NSB Kings Bay is the homeport of East Coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines. These submarines are capable of conducting operations in the Atlantic, Arctic, Eastern Pacific, and Indian Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea.

NSB Kings Bay is also the only Navy base with the capability to support the Trident II missile, the most sophisticated nuclear missile designed to be launched from a submarine.

Known as America’s “Apex Predators!” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.

There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).

Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare.

The Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.

The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles.

The Columbia-class SSBN will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S. — replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.

Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.

Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a submariner, Gottfried is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel serving aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Gottfried has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is being selected to serve as the second in command of a nuclear-powered warship with the possibility of one day serving as the commanding officer,” Gottfried said.

Gottfried serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy offers a great opportunity to serve your country,” Gottfried said. “It requires sacrifices to defend our nation while honoring the sacrifices of the warfighters who have gone before us.”

Gottfried is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my mom and dad for developing a strong work ethic in me and accountability for my academic performance,” Gottfried added. “I’m grateful to my wife for supporting me through the unique challenges of having me deployed overseas. I couldn’t do this without her love and support.”