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 Evan Parrish
Executive Officer
USS Colorado (SSN 788)
Lieutenant Commander Parrish is a native of Clayton, North Carolina and a graduate from North Carolina State University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He also holds a Master of Arts degree in Strategic Studies from Naval Post Graduate School (NPS).
His sea tours including division officer assignment aboard USS Albany (SSN 753 and Engineer Officer aboard USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) and USS Connecticut (SSN 22). During these tours, he completed two overseas deployments in support of operations in Pacific and Central Command Theaters as well as an Engineering Overhaul Docking Availability and an Extended Drydock Selected Restricted Availability.
His shore assignments include division officer USS Delaware (SSN 791) in Norfolk, Virginia and Submarine Group Eight Engineer Officer in Naples, Italy.
He is currently serving as Executive Officer of USS Colorado (SSN 788) during its Extended Drydock Selected Restricted Availability.
His personal decorations include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals as well as other unit and campaign awards.
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.