The only enlisted submariner to ever receive a Medal of Honor is Henry Breault, and he did it by being a good shipmate. 

There has never been a naval vessel named after Breault and we believe strongly it is now time to change that.

Today I am writing to respectfully recommend Breault's name be attached to a VIRGINIA-class Submarine as USS HENRY BREAULT.

There are three primary reasons I think this will be of great benefit to the USN today.

Henry Breault’s legacy represents the essential duty of the submariner: Ship, Shipmate, Self.

Breault received the Medal of Honor for attempting to save the ship and when he realized nothing more could be done, doing everything he could to save his shipmates. In so doing, he saved the life of at least one of his shipmates (Lawrence Brown), and likely purchasing time for another (Charles Butler) to escape. Breault’s willingness to “cast all personal safety aside” as described by his commanding officer, Harrison Avery, became the driving spirit of the submarine force. In periods of distress, we put the ship and our shipmates above ourselves.

“Fish Don’t Vote:” Breault lived in several states who support the submarine force.

Allegorically, Rickover told someone at a dinner party that submarines were named after locations rather than fish because “fish don’t vote.” Breault has significant ties to several states he lived in. He was born in Putnam, CT, but moved to White Plains, NY in his childhood. He enlisted from VT, offering an address in Grand Isle, VT. When he was in, he spent time in San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco in CA, and referred to Marysville, WA, as home in official paperwork. When he passed, he was stationed in Newport RI, where he also attended RTC and TM “A” school. Breault’s service emphasizes the contribution these states have made to the success of the submarine force and if connected, will allow several major regions in the US to benefit from the namesake. It will remind everyone that building submarines is a country-wide effort that we must support.

The Potential USS HENRY BREAULT will aid in recruiting and retention efforts.

When I was active-duty, I would think of Henry Breault when I hear the line in the Sailor’s Creed, “I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.” I remembered seeing the museum exhibit at the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, CT, (colloquially referred to as The Nautilus Museum). In an era where the USN and many branches struggle with recruitment and retention, the publicity generated towards naming a submarine after an enlisted Medal of Honor recipient could only benefit these efforts. It shows we remember the sacrifices they have given and the sacrifices they will have to make to "protect freedom and democracy around the world."

There is precedent to name a boat after an individual based on their contribution to the USN. The VIRGINIA-class submarines were intended to be named after states. That trend has deviated recently, with planned boats being named after regions (Long Island) or cities (Miami and San Francisco). John Warner, Hyman G. Rickover, and John H. Dalton either have VIRGINIA-Class submarines named after them or will have submarines named after them. Before that, Jimmy Carter, Mendel Rivers, Henry M. Jackson and so many other boats have been named after dignitaries (think the 41 for Freedom).  I highly recommend Breault be considered among those dignitaries.

Conclusion

If followed through, the potential USS HENRY BREAULT would connect sailors to their heritage, could recognize the efforts of several states to the submarine force, and aid in recruiting and retention efforts. In a time when sailors are so needed, let us remind them we remember them.

Petition:

https://www.change.org/p/name-a-virginia-class-submarine-after-medal-of-honor-recipient-henry-breault