BREMERTON, Wash. – Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Brian Groll, a native of Dalhart, Texas, is serving as an aircraft weapons specialist and supervisor aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). He reported to Vinson in June 2016, and is responsible for storing, servicing, inspecting and handling all types of weapons and ammunition carried on Navy aircraft.
“My division is responsible for the maintenance and issue of aviation weapons support equipment,” said Groll. “As a supervisor, my job is to support my chain of command and make sure all the sailors working under me are taken care of in all aspects of their careers such as living conditions, training, qualifications and otherwise.”
Upon graduation from Dalhart High School in 2007, Groll said he was ready to explore his career options and the Navy felt like the right path to take.
“I moved around a lot as a child, and as I got older and was getting closer to graduating high school, I knew I couldn’t stay put,” said Groll. “I needed to travel and see the world.”
As Vinson undergoes an extensive maintenance period in Bremerton, Washington to make upgrades and prepare for future deployments, Groll has been working very hard within his division and preparing his Sailors for the road ahead. In May, these efforts were recognized when he was selected for Senior Sailor of the Quarter, an award given to Sailors who go above and beyond the call of duty and demonstrate the highest standards of work ethic and military bearing.
“It is such an honor that my chain of command and my sailors got me to this level,” said Groll. “I think I was selected for Senior Sailor of the Quarter because my division is full of rock stars. It's not hard to look like you're doing well when your supporting staff is doing just as well. I owe it all to them.”
Groll said he feels lucky to have both a great support system at work and an amazing support system back home in Texas.
“I am proud to be from Dalhart, Texas,” said Groll. “I have received nothing but love and support from my friends, family and community back home. I hope they are as proud of me as I am of them.”
Looking down the road at his future after the Navy, Groll said he is keeping his mind open to his possibilities but thinks he will most likely continue working in the ordnance field as a civilian contractor.
Upon graduation from Dalhart High School in 2007, Groll said he was ready to explore his career options and the Navy felt like the right path to take.
“I moved around a lot as a child, and as I got older and was getting closer to graduating high school, I knew I couldn’t stay put,” said Groll. “I needed to travel and see the world.”
As Vinson undergoes an extensive maintenance period in Bremerton, Washington to make upgrades and prepare for future deployments, Groll has been working very hard within his division and preparing his Sailors for the road ahead. In May, these efforts were recognized when he was selected for Senior Sailor of the Quarter, an award given to Sailors who go above and beyond the call of duty and demonstrate the highest standards of work ethic and military bearing.
“It is such an honor that my chain of command and my sailors got me to this level,” said Groll. “I think I was selected for Senior Sailor of the Quarter because my division is full of rock stars. It's not hard to look like you're doing well when your supporting staff is doing just as well. I owe it all to them.”
Groll said he feels lucky to have both a great support system at work and an amazing support system back home in Texas.
“I am proud to be from Dalhart, Texas,” said Groll. “I have received nothing but love and support from my friends, family and community back home. I hope they are as proud of me as I am of them.”
Looking down the road at his future after the Navy, Groll said he is keeping his mind open to his possibilities but thinks he will most likely continue working in the ordnance field as a civilian contractor.