Change of Command
USS HELENA (SSN 725)
13 July 2007

Commander Brunk was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and raised in Madison Heights, Michigan. After graduation from Lamphere High School in 1986, he accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, where he graduated with honors in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering.

Following initial nuclear propulsion and submarine training, Brunk served on USS PROVIDENCE (SSN 719), from 1992 to 1994 where he completed a Depot Modernization Period in Charleston Naval Shipyard, a Mediterranean sea deployment onboard USS MIAMI (SSN 755) and a Northern Atlantic deployment while serving as Reactor Control Assistant, Electrical Officer, Communicator, and Assistant Weapons Officer.

Following his Junior Officer tour, Brunk returned to the Naval Academy in 1995 as a Company Officer. During this tour, he completed his Masters degree in Engineering Management from the The George Washington University.

After leaving Annapolis for the second time, Brunk received the L. Y. Spear award as the Submarine Officer’s Advanced Course class honor man. In February 1998, he reported aboard USS HONOLULU (SSN 718) as the Engineer Officer where he completed two Western Pacific and two Eastern Pacific deployments, two PCO Operations, and a Nuclear Weapons Regeneration Exercise. In December 2000, he transferred to the Pacific Fleet Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board where he inspected all nuclear propulsion plants in the Pacific Fleet.

Brunk next served as Executive Officer of USS NEVADA (SSBN 733) (GOLD) from 2003 to 2005. As Executive Officer, USS NEVADA GOLD completed a short notice interfleet transfer from the Atlantic to the Pacific Fleet and three strategic deterrent patrols. Command awards included the 2003 and 2004 retention excellence awards, the 2003 Engineering Red “E”, the 2004 Supply “S”, the Deck Seamanship “D”, and the Squadron 17/19 nomination for the NEY award for 2003 and 2004.

Returning ashore, Brunk served as the Navy Special Projects Officer in the Joint Chiefs of Staff Directorate for Intelligence, J2, from 2005 to 2006. There, he provided oversight for critical national level special access intelligence programs.

Brunk’s awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards) and various unit and service awards.