Lt. Colby R. Wood graduated from Susquehanna Community High School in 1988, enlisted in the United States Navy and in September of the year, reported to Recruit Training Command in Orlando, Florida for Boot Camp.
Upon Boot Camp Graduation, staying in Orlando, he reported to Nuclear Field “A” School and then Nuclear Power School, graduating from both in June 1990. He immediately reported to the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Windsor, Ct.
Upon graduating NPTU Windsor, in December 1990, he reported to his first Submarine, Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Montpellier (SSN 765) supporting various duties in completing the ship’s new construction period while earning his Enlisted Submarine Dolphins.
Lieutenant Colby R. Wood, Retired
In January 1994, Colby reported to PCU Greeneville (SSN 772), again supporting various duties in completing the ship’s new construction period.
In July 1997, after almost 7 years at the Newport News Ship Yard, Petty Officer Wood transferred to the Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit at Ballston Spa, NY, for a tour of instructor duty. Here, his list of duties rapidly rose as he took over and maintained the billet of Reactor Controls Section Leading Petty Officer (LPO) while qualifying and standing Engineering Officer of the Watch/Engineering Duty Officer in support of student training, plant testing/overhaul and major plant inspections.
In May 2001, he returned to sea duty as Reactor Controls Division Leading Petty Officer (LPO) of USS Boise (SSN 764) in Norfolk, Va. In Addition to his primary job of LPO, he also served as Engineering Department Training Assistant, Ship’s Training Assistant and Weapons Department Drill Coordinator. In Sept. 2002, LOP Wood was promoted to Chief Petty Officer (CPO) and returned to his first submarine, USS Montpelier as Reactor Controls Division Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO).
After back to back, overseas deployments on Boise and Montpelier, it was time for change in his career path; CPO Wood was selected for commissioning as a Limited Duty Officer in January 2003.
Following his “Mustang” commissioning in August 2004, Ensign Wood reported to the USS George Washington (CVA 72) in Norfolk, VA, serving as Assistant Damage Control Officer and Reactor Mechanical Technical Assistant; most of his time was spent overseeing reactor plant maintenance.
In April 2008, given the option to return to the Submarine Force, Lt. Wood reported to PCU Missouri (SSN 780) at Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton, CT, as the Reactor Controls Assistant/Electrical Assistant. Lt. Wood had now successfully performed every job related to Reactor Controls Division in his career.
After 22 years of service Lt. Wood reported to Naval Submarine Support Facility, Groton, CT as the R4 (Electrical/Electronic Repair Shop) Division/Production Officer in April 2010. In May 2011, Lt. Wood’s final career move came as he took over as the Division/Production Officer of the R9 (Inside/Outside Machine Shop) also at the Naval Submarine Support Facility, Groton, CT.
Lt Wood’s personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (7 awards), in addition to numerous other personal, unit and campaign awards. Lt Wood is married to Dawn M. Perrington, also from Susquehanna. They have been married 21 years and have two sons, Alex age 20, and Aaron age 8. Now retired, Colby works for PPL in Berwick, Pa. and the family resides in Shavertown, Pa.
Lt. Wood USN Retired is the of Mildred A. Wood CPO USN Retired, Shavertown, and James E. Wood CPO USN Retired, Susquehanna.
