SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Nickolaus Kirkland, a native of Douglas, Georgia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Greeneville, a fast-attack submarine homeported at Naval Base Point Loma.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Caleb Kissner, Fleet Public Affairs Center San Diego |
As a submariner, Kirkland is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Kirkland graduated from Coffee County High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Douglas.
“Being honest and always willing to help each other are some values I learned from my hometown,” Kirkland said. “Also, I learned to be a team player and also have others when I need it.”
Kirkland joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Kirkland serves as a sonar technician (submarine).
“I have the ability to travel and do things I wouldn't be able to do in a small town,” Kirkland said. “Being able to experience the world and the benefits that come with it to start my life is the greatest.”
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 USS Greeneville, 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, USS Greeneville is only slightly longer than a football field at 360 feet long and 33 feet across at its widest point. USS Greeneville 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, Kirkland serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
Kirkland has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I have many accomplishments that I'm proud of, such as qualifying as Sonar Supervisor, 1st lieutenant, being named Blue Jacket of the Quarter of 2023, Blue Jacket of the Year of 2023, and Junior Sailor of the Quarter in 2024, and also earning my submarine qualification in 2023 after only six months,” Kirkland said. “I'm also proud of the two deployments I served on. One on USS San Juan in 2023, where we visited Spain and Cyprus, and my Western Pacific deployment, where I visited Guam and Busan, Korea. I was fortunate enough to have my wife fly out to meet 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.
“Being in the Navy means pride and honor in serving and supporting in the fleet,” Kirkland said. “It is an honor having our boat be ready to go out to sea, especially when ours looks better than everyone else’s.”
Kirkland is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family for always supporting me,” Kirkland said. “Whenever I am not home, whenever I need encouragement, my mom, Julia Griffin, my dad, Tim Kirkland, my wife, Kady Kirkland, and my great-grandmother, Melva Brady, are there for me with support when I need it most. My lovely wife put her life on hold to support me, and left her home to be with me.”
Kirkland has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I have many accomplishments that I'm proud of, such as qualifying as Sonar Supervisor, 1st lieutenant, being named Blue Jacket of the Quarter of 2023, Blue Jacket of the Year of 2023, and Junior Sailor of the Quarter in 2024, and also earning my submarine qualification in 2023 after only six months,” Kirkland said. “I'm also proud of the two deployments I served on. One on USS San Juan in 2023, where we visited Spain and Cyprus, and my Western Pacific deployment, where I visited Guam and Busan, Korea. I was fortunate enough to have my wife fly out to meet 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.
“Being in the Navy means pride and honor in serving and supporting in the fleet,” Kirkland said. “It is an honor having our boat be ready to go out to sea, especially when ours looks better than everyone else’s.”
Kirkland is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family for always supporting me,” Kirkland said. “Whenever I am not home, whenever I need encouragement, my mom, Julia Griffin, my dad, Tim Kirkland, my wife, Kady Kirkland, and my great-grandmother, Melva Brady, are there for me with support when I need it most. My lovely wife put her life on hold to support me, and left her home to be with me.”