Crew Update

Awards, Achievements, and Activities
Master Chief Schulz takes the wheel! After the FanZone closed for the day, the Crew had an opportunity to experience a few minutes in the Driver's seat.
On Sunday morning before the All-Star Race, PCU District of Columbia Crew Members--EDMC(SS) Benjamin Schulz (Engineering Department Master Chief); ETN2(SS) Keihin Lee (Reactor Controls Technician); LCDR "Chip" Brand (Navigator); MMACS(SS) Joshua Kerr (Maintenance and Material Management Coordinator); MMN2(SS) Isabela Braun (Engineering Laboratory Technician); and MMNC(SS) Tom Bolin (Machinery Division Chief)--had an opportunity to meet RFK Driver Chris Buescher.
SSBN-826's 2025 Sailor of the Year is MMN1(SS) Karasevich. A few of his significant accomplishments follow: invaluable change recommendations to the S1B Virtual Interactive Display Equipment and Engineroom Team Trainer (VETT), enhancing VIDE/VETT's utility post-production and established a "Ready for Training" environment; demonstrated exceptional leadership with two Sailors selected for commissioning and one advanced to Chief; qualified nine first-term Sailors, oversaw five Engineering Watch Supervisor re-quals, facilitated one new N33Z NEC acquisition, and ensured all first-term Sailors were eligible/received their Nuclear Supervisor NEC as soon as instruction authorized.

Congratulations Petty Officer Karasevich--very well deserved!
MMN2(SS) Samuel T. Boudreau, Reactor Laboratory Leading Petty Officer, was selected as PCU District of Columbia (SSBN-826)'s 2025 Junior Sailor of the Year. Petty Officer Boudreau was recognized for his instrumental role in developing the training program for his Division and the entire Engineering Department; qualifying as Shutdown Reactor Operator; successfully standing up SSBN-826's radiological training program; and administering two Physical Readiness Tests to over 75 Sailors as well as leading command physical training sessions.

We extend our well-deserved congratulations to Petty Officer Boudreau!
Crew members from PCU District of Columbia volunteered to serve as judges during the 1 April 2026 General Dynamics Electric Boat Rhode Island Regional SeaPerch Competition hosted by the University of Rhode Island. Competition was fierce as over 100 students representing 30 middle school teams competed with winners advancing to the International SeaPerch Challenge, College Park, MD, 30-31 May, 2026.
Volunteer judges from PCU District of Columbia relax before the Rhode Island Regional SeaPerch competition begins.
CAPT Heath Johnmeyer, Commanding Officer, PCU District of Columbia (SSBN-826) addresses competitors in the Rhode Island Regional SeaPerch competition on 1 April 2026. SeaPerch is an international program that equips students and teachers with the knowledge they need to build underwater remote operated vehicles by providing robotics kids to schools, introducing middle and high school students to engineering, the maritime trades, design, and problem-solving.
PCU District of Columbia Sailors served as judges during the General Dynamics Electric Boat - Connecticut Technology & Engineering Education Association's SeaPerch Regional Competition. Teams from Connecticut Schools designed and built their own remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) before putting them to the test in the pool through a series of challenges. Top finishers qualified for the International SeaPerch Challenge, College Park, MD, 30-31 May, 2026.
PCU District of Columbia Crew members pose with the General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) - Connecticut Technology & Engineering Education Association (CTEEA) following presentation of a plaque in recognition of their "outstanding dedication and invaluable contributions as judges" for the regional SeaPerch Competition at Waterford High School, Waterford, CT sponsored by GDEB on 11 March 2026.
PCU District of Columbia Crew Members are ready for the NASCAR All-Star Race to start.
Five PCU District of Columbia Crew Members meet MCPON John Perryman at the DC Sub Ball to celebrate the 126th birthday of the Submarine Force.
Petty Officer Bianca Merritt and AFRH Veteran enjoy getting to know one another.