Jacob Kuehl has had quite an adventure.

Kuehl, class of ’99, returned to Winona as the keynote speaker at an event held at the bandshell to honor members of all branches of the military.  Kuehl also spoke to Cotter’s juniors and senior in a morning assembly on November 10.

Here is part of his official Navy biography:

On June 28, 1999 he enlisted in the Navy and graduated IT “A” School. In March 2001, he reported onboard USS THE SULLIVANS (DDG-68) homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Florida where he deployed, as part of USS John F. Kennedy Battle Group, twice to the Arabian Sea in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Here he advanced up the ranks standing watch supervisor and ultimately advancing to Petty Officer First Class, E-6, and Leading Petty Officer (LPO) at sea. Petty Officer Kuehl transferred to NCTAMS LANT Det Rota, Spain in April 2006 where he provided communications throughout the Iberian Peninsula and Mediterranean Area of Responsibility. In 2008, he was selected for advancement to Chief Petty Officer (E7). He also earned his B.S. with a major in Information Systems Management from University of Maryland University College.

In March 2009, Chief Kuehl reported onboard USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH homeported in Naval Station in Norfolk, Virginia as the message center Chief. Chief Kuehl was selected through the Limited Duty Officer program and commissioned in October 2009.

ENS Kuehl reported to USS BATAAN in December 2009, this was his first tour as a commissioned officer. Here he served as the Communications Officer and EKMS Manager. In March 2011, the ship surged 3.5 months early for deployment in response to Libya contingency operations and continuing with national tasking in the 5th FLEET AOR, eventually returning home in February 2012, marking a historic 10.5 month deployment.

In 2011, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG). LTJG Kuehl reported to Naval Network Warfare Command in 2012 and served as a Battle Watch Captain, the Training Officer, and Senior Watch officer. From here, he transferred to USS NORMANDY as the C4I Officer.

It was here in 2015 that the USS NORMANDY deployed with the THEODORE ROOSEVELT Strike Group to the Arabian Gulf in support of Inherent Resolve and ultimately escorting her back to San Diego, CA, marking an epic ‘around the world’ tour.  LT Kuehl transferred to his current command, Information Warfare Training Command, Virginia Beach, in March of this year. He is currently serving as an Instructor for the Navy’s 20 week IP Officer Basic Course.

LT Kuehl’s decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6 awards), various campaign and service medals.