CAPT Garret L. Burkholder, USN

Dean of the School of Engineering, Computing & Weapons

A native of Alexandria, Minnesota, Captain Burkholder graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry.
After completing Naval Nuclear Propulsion training, he reported to the USS FLORIDA (SSBN 728) where he served as Electrical Officer, Main Propulsion Assistant and Assistant Engineer. In 2004, he transferred to Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC. Captain Burkholder served as the Fleet Liaison Officer for the SSGN Program Office (PMS 398) and then served as the Executive Assistant for PEO Submarines.
After selection as an Engineering Duty Officer, he attended the Naval Post Graduate School where he received a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. In 2010, he was assigned to Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair, Groton, CT (SUPSHIP Groton). He served as Lead Ship Coordinator for the USS MISSISSIPPI (SSN 782) during new construction and then served as a Ship Coordinator in the Commissioned Submarine Project Office. In 2013, he transferred back Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC serving in the VIRGINIA Program Office (PMS 450) as the Project Officer for VIRGINIA Payload Module (VPM).
In 2015, Captain Burkholder reported to the USS FRANK CABLE in Santa Rita, Guam where he served as the Repair Officer. During his time on board, FRANK CABLE completed a highly successful INDO-PACIFIC deployment.
In 2017, he returned to SUPSHIP Groton as the Project Officer and Program Manager’s Representative for COLUMBIA Class Submarines. Captain Burkholder returned to the VIRGINIA Class Program Office in 2019 to serve as the Assistant Program Manager for Construction.
In March 2021, he became Program Manager for In-Service Attack Submarines, PMS 392, where he is responsible for the maintenance and modernization of all Fast Attack Submarines.
Captain Burkholder’s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, in addition to campaign and unit awards.