Torpedoman Second Class Henry Breault Award

The Torpedoman Second Class Henry Breault Award for Submarine Professional Excellence recognizes E6 and below personnel (Active or Reserve) for achievement, contribution, specific action or consistent performance, which best exemplifies the traditional spirit embodied in the Submarine Force.

2023 Awardee: YNS2(SS) Rutger W. Goodman, USN

for outstanding professional performance as Lead Command and Pay Personnel Administrator on USS JEFFERSON CITY (SSN 759).

Petty Officer Goodman meticulously managed and tracked all pay entitlements totaling over three million dollars ensuring a high state of readiness for the crew. His management efforts were instrumental in Jefferson City being awarded the Commander Submarine White “P” Award. He led efforts to develop three ship control watch teams. Under his direction fourteen helm/planesman, six Chiefs of the Watch, and two Diving Officers of the Watch were qualified. His ability to continually train and mentor watch teams has ensured the ship’s flawless transition as a Forward Deployed Naval Force after the ship changed homeport from Pearl Harbor to Guam. His tenacity, humility and selflessness inspire the crew and makes him an exceptionally effective Assistant to the Command Career Counselor. He is the true embodiment of Navy Core Values always demonstrating enthusiasm, motivation, and unsurpassed professional performance.

Petty Officer Goodman is most deserving of recognition by the Naval Submarine League to receive the Torpedoman Second Class Henry Breault Award for Submarine Professional Excellence.

Previous Awardees

2023

YNS2(SS) Rutger W. Goodman, USN

2018

LCDR Kristin L. Shaw, USN

2015

LCDR Matthew S. Thatcher, USN

2022

LCDR Erin D. Gelhausen, USN

2017

LCDR Vance R. Beatty, USN

2014

LCDR Nathan D. Luther, USN

2021

LCDR Taylor N. Sheppard, USN

2016

LCDR Alex Rinaldi, USN

2013

LCDR Kenneth M. Kirkwood, USN

Torpedoman Second Class Henry Breault

Henry Breault was born in Putnam, Connecticut, on 14 October 1900. He enlisted in the British Royal Navy at sixteen years of age and, after serving under the White Ensign for four years, joined the U.S. Navy. On 28 October 1923 Torpedoman 2nd Class Breault was a member of the crew of USS O-5 (SS-66) when that submarine was sunk in a collision. Though he could have escaped, Breault chose to assist a shipmate, and remained inside the sunken submarine until both were rescued more than a day later. For his “heroism and devotion to duty” on this occasion, Henry Breault was awarded the Medal of Honor. Following twenty years of U.S. Navy service, Henry Breault became ill with a heart condition. He died at the Naval Hospital at Newport, Rhode Island, on 4 December 1941.