SAN DIEGO (Aug 23, 2024) – Cmdr. Patrick Brinkman, son of Chesapeake, Virginia, resident, retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Rand Brinkman, serves aboard USS Jackson, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of San Diego, California.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Chesapeake.
“Growing up living mostly on military bases, I learned the importance of discipline and leadership,” said Brinkman. “A lot of my coaches were Marines, and I learned a lot from watching their leadership and work ethic.”
Brinkman joined the Navy 25 years ago. Today, Brinkman serves as the executive officer aboard the warship.
“I started my career as an enlisted nuclear engineer and served aboard the fast-attack submarine, USS San Francisco,” said Brinkman. “I was a first-class petty officer when I earned my commission as a naval officer.”
USS Jackson is a fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatant that operates in near-shore and open-ocean environments, according to Navy officials. Littoral combat ships (LCSs) integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.
According to Navy officials, LCSs are hybrid surface combatants that lead manned-unmanned teams using unmanned aerial systems like the Fire Scout and Expeditionary Ordnance Disposal forces unmanned underwater vehicles. They conduct forward and maritime security missions like the Secretary of Defense Oceania Maritime Security Initiative. The ships also strengthen partnerships through port visits in small island nations like Tahiti and Fiji due to their shallow-depth hull.
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.
Brinkman serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Brinkman has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’ve been fortunate to earn several accomplishments in my career, which include my enlisted submarine qualifications, my surface warfare officer qualifications, and of course, being selected to serve as executive officer aboard this ship,” said Brinkman. “The one I’m most proud of is earning a commission as a United States Navy officer. It means the most because I worked hard as an enlisted sailor and went to night school to complete my degree. It was rewarding to see this hard work pay off.”
Brinkman can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy has offered a great opportunity to serve with a lot of hard-working men and women from all around the world,” said Brinkman. “It’s an honor to serve with these great Americans while we protect our country.”
Brinkman is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“First, I want to thank my dad, who was also prior enlisted before earning a commission as a Marine Corps officer,” said Brinkman. “I want to thank my mom for her support. Retired Marine Corps Capt. Danny White was also a major influence on my life growing up. Don Barnett was one of my first leading petty officers. He went on to be promoted to commander and will retire later this year.
“Of course, I want to thank my wife, Kimberly, who has supported my career, including 12 moves,” added Brinkman. “I would not be able to do what I do without her love and support, especially taking care of our six kids while I’m deployed.”
By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach