12/19/2023
A huge thank you to Watershape University for the grant. Looking forward to learning more about the details of pool construction to enable us to build pools that will provide decades of lifelong memories to our customers.
Proud to Honor Steve Griffith with Grant's Grant, a tribute and memorialization of our own Grant Smith, a proud veteran who left us too early. This yearly grant is given to Veterans who have transitioned to the pool industry.
Starting as a Missile Technician on the USS Maryland (SSBN-738) after completing Basic training, submarine school, and advanced electrical and mechanical systems courses, Steve's exceptional work quickly stood out, leading to his recognition as Junior Sailor of the Year in 2003.
Opting for continued sea duty over a shore assignment, Commander Griffith joined the USS Florida. Here, he spearheaded the transformation of the ship into a Guided Missile Submarine, a task that involved meticulous testing, procedural development, and loading 105 Tomahawk Cruise Missiles. His expertise then led him to a pivotal role as an instructor, training future Commanding Officers, Weapons Officers, and Missile Technicians for SSGN submarines. His excellence in this role was acknowledged when he became a Master Training Specialist within his first year and was named Sailor of the Year in 2009.
Following his promotion to Chief, Steve was directly commissioned as a Submarine Ordnance Officer, a role reflecting his sustained exceptional performance and leadership potential. His first officer assignment was on the USS Emory S Land as the Weapons Handling Officer and Security Manager, where he contributed significantly during a year-long deployment to Southeast Asia.
Steve's next challenge was on the USS West Virginia as the Assistant Weapons Officer, where he played a vital role in the submarine's post-overhaul return to service, including intensive training and weapons system testing, culminating in the loading of 20 Strategically Launched Ballistic Missiles.
After completing two patrols, he was appointed Strategic Weapons Officer at Trident Training Facility Kings Bay. In this role, he led a team of 75 instructors, imparting knowledge on the Strategic Weapons System to a diverse group of students, including nearly 400 Missile Technicians.
During his tenure at Kings Bay, Steve achieved a significant personal milestone by earning a Bachelor of Science in Leadership Studies from the University of Alabama. His subsequent assignment as the Weapons Officer on the USS Frank Cable in Guam further showcased his leadership and innovative capabilities, where he led his department through several groundbreaking initiatives.
Now, as owner of Backyard Oasis Pools LLC, Steve Griffith's career is not just a series of impressive titles and assignments; it's a story of relentless pursuit of excellence, leadership, and innovation in the Navy.
His receipt of Grant's Grant is a fitting honor for a career marked by significant contributions and exemplary service.
Backyard Oasis Pools LLC
https://www.backyardoasispoolsga.com/
