SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Mike Brash, a native of Cohasset, Massachusetts, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Scranton, a fast-attack submarine homeported at Naval Base Point Loma.
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| Photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Sean Furey, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
As a submariner, Brash is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Brash graduated from Cohasset High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Cohasset.
“The two things that I learned from my hometown are integrity and work ethic,” Brash said. “My coaches in high school instilled integrity in me while playing sports. My teachers in the classroom are the ones who taught me good work ethic.”
Brash joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Brash serves as an electrician’s mate (nuclear power).
“My neighbor, Ben, was a paratrooper during World War II,” Brash said. “Growing up, I would talk to him about his stories and experiences. That inspired me to join the Navy and serve my country.”
Known as America’s “Apex Predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in support of U.S. national security.
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines, ballistic-missile submarines and guided-missile submarines.
Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines, like Scranton, have been the backbone of the submarine force for the last 40 years, with approximately 23 in service. Fast-attack submarines 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.
Equipped with 12 Vertical Launch System tubes for firing Tomahawk cruise missiles, Scranton is only slightly longer than a football field at 360 feet long and 33 feet across at its widest point. Scranton is crewed by more than 140 enlisted sailors and officers.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Brash serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
Brash has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of graduating my ‘A’ school with my fellow sailors,” Brash said. “For me, it was a struggle in the beginning, but in the end it was very rewarding.”
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 world’s greatest navy means everything to me,” Brash said. “It gives me a chance to mature and do challenging things, all while serving my country and protecting my loved ones back home.”
Brash is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank everyone in my family back home,” Brash said. “They have loved and supported me in everything I’ve done and have made me who I am today.”