David Kern, an officer of the United States Navy, was the first commanding officer of USS Virginia (SSN-774). Kern earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy and was commissioned in May 1981. Upon completion of nuclear power training and Naval Submarine School, he reported to USS Honolulu (SSN-718), homeported in Norfolk, Virginia. He supported deployed ships in the Mediterranean Sea and served as Chemistry and Radiological Assistant and Communicator until the ship was delivered to the Pacific Fleet in 1986. Captain Kern then reported to the Naval Postgraduate School at Monterey, California, and earned a Master’s degree in national security affairs.