Lieutenant Zach Schuler

A native of Emporia, KS, Lieutenant Schuler earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Kansas State University. During college, he was admitted into the Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program (NUPOC), and following graduation, he received his commission from Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, RI.

After commissioning, Lieutenant Schuler reported to Naval Nuclear Power Training Command (NNPTC) in Charleston, SC, to begin the naval nuclear training pipeline. After graduating from NNPTC, he completed the Navy Nuclear Operator course at Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) Ballston Spa, NY, and the Submarine Officer Basic Course (SOBC) in Groton, CT.

Lieutenant Schuler reported aboard the nuclear fast attack submarine USS JACKSONVILLE (SSN-699) in Pearl Harbor, HI, in July of 2016. He completed an eight-month deployment to the CENTCOM area of responsibility, the JACKSONVILLE’S last deployment, before shifting homeports to Bremerton, WA, in support of the ship’s decommissioning. During his time onboard, Lieutenant Schuler participated in several missions vital to national security while serving as the Reactor Control Assistant, Damage Control Assistant, Assistant Engineer Officer, Ship’s Diving Officer, and the ship’s Drill Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Schuler then reported to a Non-Traditional Shore Duty as the Assistant Future Plans and Submarine Operations Officer on the staff of Commander, Carrier Strike Group NINE. He coordinated operations and exercises for the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71)-carrier strike group during a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific.

Lieutenant Schuler reported to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Naval ROTC in January of 2021.

Lieutenant Schuler’s personnel decorations include the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, four Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and several unit awards.