Eleven years in the submarine force.
I was entrusted with nuclear reactors, with standing watch as Officer of the Deck in charge of driving and navigating a multi-billion-dollar warship, and with the launch system for the ballistic missiles she carried. I qualified as a Naval Nuclear Engineer Officer on three reactor platforms and served aboard the USS Alabama. It was deeply technical work that carried real trust and responsibility, and I still approach complicated systems the same way.





