NORFOLK, Virginia — Petty Officer 1st Class Brian O’Neill, a 2020 graduate of Grand Island High School, is currently serving aboard USS Newport News.
“I come from a really, really small hometown,” O’Neill said of Grand Island. “Growing up there taught me that there is much more to life than staying in the same area forever. In the Navy, people come from all over the world, and you get to know people with so many different backgrounds. I wouldn’t have had any of the experiences I’ve had if I just stayed in Grand Island.”
O’Neill joined the Navy six years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I was playing hockey in high school in Canada when Covid happened,” O’Neill said. “I never applied to college, and I wasn’t really going anywhere. I also wanted financial stability and to learn how to do things without going into student loan debt.”
Today, O’Neill serves as an electrician’s mate (nuclear) aboard a fast-attack submarine (SSN) homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.
Fast-attack submarines, like Newport News, 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.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, O’Neill serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is making petty officer first class at my five-year point,” O’Neill said. “I had problems early on in my career and made E-5 (petty officer second class) later than most sailors do. So, putting on E-6 (petty officer first class) at that point in my career was a very big milestone for me.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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.
“Serving in the Navy is a stepping stone,” O’Neill said. “I am very thankful for everything the Navy has given me. The opportunities I’ve had to better myself and go to school without any debt are unlike any others I would have in a civilian job. I’ve come so far, especially since getting out of high school and not knowing what I wanted to do.”
O’Neill is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom and dad, Diane and Michael O’Neill, for giving me the drive and determination to always face adversity head-on,” O’Neill added. “I also want to thank Chief Electrician’s Mate (Nuclear) Collins and Senior Chief Electrician’s Mate (Nuclear) Civett for their mentorship and for growing me into the leader I am today. Lastly, I of course want to thank my wife, Samantha, for always believing in me and for being my biggest supporter.”
This story first appeared on the U.S. Navy’s Office of Community Outreach website.