CDR Justin Reeves
Commanding Officer
USS Colorado (SSN 788)
CDR Justin Reeves, a native of Sterling, Virginia, graduated from Virginia Tech in 2004 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and commissioned through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program. He holds a master’s degree in Defense and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
Following commissioning, CDR Reeves served aboard USS LA JOLLA (SSN 701) as a division officer during two Western Pacific Deployments, USS MAINE (SSBN 741) (BLUE) as the Navigation Officer during four strategic deterrent patrols, and USS VIRGINIA (SSN 774) as the Executive Officer.
Ashore, CDR Reeves served as an intelligence analyst for the U.S. Pacific Command Joint Intelligence Operations Center, Regional Employment Officer for Commander Submarine Forces Atlantic, Operations Officer for the Chief of Naval Operations Operational Support Branch, and Deputy for Future Initiatives at Submarine Development Squadron Five.
CDR Reeves has earned the Meritorious Service, Joint Service Commendation, Navy Commendation, and Navy Achievement Medals, as well as several unit and service awards.
LCDR Eric T. Stromme
Executive Officer
USS Colorado (SSN 788)
Born in Nashville, TN and raised in Frisco, TX, Lieutenant Commander Stromme graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in May 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He also earned a Master of Business
Administration from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
Afloat, LCDR Stromme completed his Division Officer tour onboard USS Missouri (SSN 780). While serving in various division officer assignments, he completed two Sixth Fleet deployments. He then served as the Assistant Engineer Officer onboard PCU Washington (SSN 787) at Newport News Shipbuilding. LCDR Stromme completed his Department Head Tour as Engineer Officer onboard USS Indiana (SSN 789) during the ship’s first deployment training cycle and two deployments to Sixth Fleet. He assumed his current duties as Executive Officer in December 2023.
Ashore, LCDR Stromme was selected as a Secretary of the Navy Tours with Industry Fellow at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and served on the staff of Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic. He most recently served as Squadron Engineer Officer at Submarine Squadron 12, where he completed an additional deployment to Sixth Fleet onboard USS California (SSN 781).
LCDR Stromme is married to the former Kelly Ryan of Mystic, CT. They have three children, James (6), Edith (2), and Eliza (4 months), and reside in Groton, CT.
FTCS James T. Kaler
Chief of the Boat
USS Colorado (SSN 788)
Senior Chief Kaler was born and raised in Amarillo, TX. He enlisted in the Navy and reported to Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL in August 2008. Upon completion of recruit training, he reported to Naval Submarine School in Groton, CT and completed the FT Pipeline, graduating September 2009.
In September 2009, he reported to the USS SCRANTON (SSN 756) at Norfolk, VA where he served as a Junior FT and qualified in Submarine Warfare. While onboard he completed one EUCOM Deployment and one extended CENTCOM Deployment.
In May 2014, he transferred to NAVSUBSOL Fleet Team Training in Groton, CT where he rapidly qualified Master Training Specialist (MTS), serving as the lead Pre-Deployment Training Instructor and Course Curriculum Module Manager.
In February 2017, he transferred to the USS TOLEDO (SSN 769) out of Groton, CT as the Fire Control Division Leading Petty Officer completing two Extended EUCOM Deployments. He qualified Chief of the Watch, Duty Chief Petty Officer, Surfaced and Submerged Contact Manager, and Diving Officer of the Watch.
In September 2019 he was advanced to Chief Petty Officer and transferred to the USS HARTFORD (SSN 769) out of Groton, CT as the Fire Control Division Leading Chief Petty Officer. While attached to the USS HARTFORD he completed 2 Surge Deployments, and 1overseas exercise and the commencement of the ships Extended Overhaul Availability. As the Weapons Department Enlisted Advisor, the ship earned back-to-back Weapons White “W." Also during this time he was heavily relied on as the acting COB on many occasions to lead complex evolutions including a challenging shipyard dry docking.
He is married to Dianna Kaler. They have 2 sons Johnathon (8) and Oliver (5) and reside in Honolulu, HI.
His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (11), Navy Good Conduct Medal (5), and various campaign awards.