GROTON, Conn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Quentin Brill-Todish, a native of Fresno, California, serves as a machinist’s mate (nuclear) with pre-commissioning unit (PCU) Hyman G. Rickover, operating out of Groton, Connecticut.
Brill-Todish, a 2020 Fresno High School graduate, joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy to get a head start on my career without going to college,” said Brill-Todish.
Skills and values similar to those found in Fresno are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I worked with my grandpa from a young age and he taught me how to have a strong work ethic and how to overcome challenges,” said Brill-Todish.
PCU (Pre-Commissioning Unit) is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning.
“The sailors on our pre-commissioning unit are working incredibly hard to get the future USS Hyman G. Rickover ready to join the fleet,” said Cmdr. Matthew Beach, Commanding Officer of PCU USS Human G. Rickover. “Each individual on this crew represents a different town or city in America, bringing unique life experiences and local values that contribute something special to our success. When this submarine is commissioned later this year, it will be the most advanced undersea warship in the world, delivering state-of-the-art stealth and firepower wherever America needs it. The USS Hyman G. Rickover will play a crucial role in our nation’s defense and that’s a testament to the professionalism and focus of these elite sailors. I’m sure their families and friends back home are as proud of them as I am.”
With 90 percent 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
As a member of the Navy, Brill-Todish is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“We contribute to national defense by being a deterrent that adversaries don’t want to mess with,” said Brill-Todish.
Brill-Todish has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is seeing everything I’ve worked for all come together and supporting my shipmates,” said Brill-Todish.
As Brill-Todish and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Being in the Navy means a lot to me because it allows me to support my country while serving my country,” added Brill-Todish.