David J. Kern
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David Kern, an officer of the United States Navy, was the first commanding officer of USS Virginia (SSN-774).
Kern earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy and was commissioned in May 1981. Upon completion of nuclear power training and Naval Submarine School, he reported to USS Honolulu (SSN-718), homeported in
Captain Kern served as Combat Systems Officer on USS Newport News (SSN-750) and in 1990 received the Stephen Decatur Award for Operational Excellence from the Navy League of the United States. In 1990, he reported aboard USS Cincinnati (SSN-693) as Engineer Officer and deployed to the North Atlantic. In 1992, Captain Kern served as a junior member on the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board on the staff of the Commander in Chief, U. S. Atlantic Fleet.
Captain Kern reported as Executive Officer on USS Nebraska (SSBN-739 Gold) in 1995 and conducted four strategic deterrent patrols. During his tour, Nebraska's crew earned the Submarine Squadron Twenty Battle "E" Award, the United States Strategic Command's Omaha Trophy, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. In 1997, Captain Kern was assigned to the Chief of Naval Operations Staff in the Directorate for Submarine Warfare.
In June 1999, Captain Kern took command of USS San Francisco (SSN-711), homeported in
Captain Kern assumed command of Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Virginia in August 2002. He has been awarded the
References
This article was initially based on the official biography published by Commander, Submarine Forces, Atlantic Fleet: https://web.archive.org/web/20041024143027/http://www.sublant.navy.mil/774co.html