Friday, October 06, 2006                                                      For More Information:

                                                                                                Rep. Reichert, 515-281-3221

 

MUSCATINE NATIVE TAKES COMMAND OF USS HARTFORD

KITTERY, ME) - Commander Ryan K. Brookhart, a native of Muscatine, took command of the USS Hartford (SSN 768) at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine on Thursday, October 5.

Commander Brookhart's family, including brother-in-law State Representative Nathan Reichert, witnessed the United States Navy change-of-command ceremony on Thursday when Commander Brookhart took command. Commander Brookhart's parents are Keith and Janet Brookhart of Muscatine.

The Brookhart and Reichert families, including in-laws Linda and Karl Reichert of Muscatine, feel strongly about supporting Brookhart's service to our country. Brookhart's wife, Melissa, is also a native of Muscatine.

"It is an honor to be able to participate in Ryan's change-of-command. Ryan has conducted an exemplary career in the United States Navy. Being honored with the command of the USS Hartford is the culmination of 17 years of hard work, sacrifice, and duty. Ryan's service to our country has always been a family effort as we all pull together to help my sister, Melissa, and my nieces when he is deployed at sea," said Rep. Reichert.

"We are extremely proud of Ryan and it is a great privilege for us to see him take command of the Hartford. I wish him the best of luck as he leads his crew. We know the crew of the USS Hartford will serve our country with honor and distinction," concluded Rep. Reichert.

The USS Hartford is a nuclear attack submarine with 134 enlisted men and officers. The Hartford is one of just 62 nuclear submarines in its class.

The families will return to Muscatine on Sunday.

BIOGRAPHY OF COMMANDER RYAN K. BROOKHART United State Navy USS Hartford (SSN 768)

Commander Brookhart was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corp program at Iowa State University in 1989 after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering.

Following nuclear power and basic submarine training, he served as a Division Officer on USS Stonewall Jackson (SSBN 634 (B)), completing six strategic deterrent patrols. He then served as the Naval ROTC instructor at Purdue University, where he completed his Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.

After completing the Submarine Officer Advanced Course, Commander Brookhart reported to USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 709), serving as the Navigation and Operations Officer. During his time on board , the ship deployed twice to the North Atlantic in support of national tasking. He then reported to COMSUBLANT as the assistant Special Operations Officer.

Commander Brookhart then served as Executive Officer aboard USS Philadelphia (SSN 690), completing a deployment to CENTCOM in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He then reported to the OPNAV staff where he served as a subject matter expert in the modeling and simulation branch and as the Deputy Executive Assistant to the DCNO for Resources, Requirements and Capability Integration (OPNAV N8).

Commander Brookhart is authorized to wear the Meritorious Service Medal with three gold stars and other personal and unit decorations. He is married to the former Melissa S. Reichert of Muscatine, Iowa. They have two daughters, Olivia and Elaina.

Commander Brookhart graduated from Muscatine High School in 1985. Commander Brookhart's mother and father, Janet and Keith Brookhart of Muscatine, still live in the home where Commander Brookhart grew up.