CDR Brian L. Tothero
COMMANDING OFFICER
USS BUFFALO (SSN 715)

Commander (CDR) Tothero graduated from the Colorado School of Mines with a Bachelor of Science degreee in Geophysical Engineering. He received his commission through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) program after completing Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida.

CDR Tothero's initial sea assignment following nuclear power training was onboard the USS SCRANTON (SSN 756) in Norfolk, Virginia, serving as a division officer in several engineering divisions and as the Communicator. For his department head tour, he served on the USS LOS ANGELES (SSN 688) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii as the Engineer Officer. For his Executive Officer tour, CDR Tothero served onboard the USS HOUSTON (SSN 713) in Apra Harbor, Guam. During his three sea tours, he has deployed five times to the North Atlantic, Arabian Gulf, and Western Pacific (three times).

CDR Tothero has completed post-graduate degrees at the New School University and Salve Regina University. His service school education includes professional military education through the Naval War College of Distance Education, Air War College, and National War College, where he received a Master of Science degree in National Security Strategy.

CDR Tothero's personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards). His unit awards include five Battle Efficiency "E" awards.