Petty Officer Dustyn Alsbrooks is a yeoman serving aboard the Kings Bay-based boat.
KINGS BAY, Ga. – A 2005 Colbert Heights High School graduate and Tuscumbia, Ala. native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of a crew working aboard one of the world’s most advanced guided missile submarines, the USS Georgia (SSGN 729).
Petty Officer Dustyn Alsbrooks is a yeoman serving aboard the Kings Bay-based boat, one of four Ohio-class guided missile submarines. Measuring 560 feet long, 42 feet wide and weighing more than 16,500 tons, a nuclear-powered propulsion system helps push the ship through the water at more than 20 knots.
The Navy’s guided missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Armed with tactical missiles and equipped with superior communications capabilities, guided missile submarines are capable of launching missile strikes and supporting Special Operation Forces missions.
“We demand the highest standards from Petty Officer Alsbrooks, technically and
Rear Adm. Charles A. “Chas” Richard
personally,” said Rear Admiral Charles A. Richard, commander, Submarine Group Ten in Kings Bay, Ga. “His Commanding Officer, his country, and I take great pride in his willingness to raise his hand and volunteer to serve the nation. The importance of our Sailors is immeasurable; people like Petty Officer Alsbrooks are crucial to ensuring our submarines are operating at their best and the mission is flawlessly executed. I’m so very proud he is on our team.”
Alsbrooks is part of the boat’s Gold crew, one of the two rotating crews, which allow the ship to be deployed on missions more often without taxing one crew too much. A typical crew on this submarine is approximately 150 officers and enlisted Sailors.
Because of the stressful environment aboard submarines, personnel are accepted only after rigorous testing and observation. Submariners are some of the most highly trained and skilled people in the Navy. The training is highly technical and each crew has to be able to operate, maintain, and repair every system or piece of equipment on board. Regardless of their specialty, everyone also has to learn how everything on the ship works and how to respond in emergencies to become “qualified in submarines” and earn the right to wear the coveted gold or silver dolphins on their uniform.
“Being on submarines is awesome. As a yeoman, I’ve learned through different training and qualifications how to perform and serve on submarine during forward deployed maritime operations. The training I’ve received during my nine years as a Sailor has made me a better person and better Sailor for the members on my team and my family back home,” Alsbrooks said.
Although it is difficult for most people to imagine living on a submarine, challenging submarine living conditions actually build strong fellowship among the crew. The crews are highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of 
specialized work, watches, and drills.
“The camaraderie amongst the Submarine community is bar none. My job would be much more difficult if we didn’t have the great relationships, lasting friendships, onboard our boats. I’m grateful every day to serve amongst my friends and peers – it’s that brotherhood that makes it all worth it,” Alsbrooks added.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Alsbrooks and other USS Georgia (SSGN 729) sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.
MEDIA RELEASE/Lt. Caleb White, Navy Office of Community Outreach
