Petty Officer Brittney Gonzalez was born and raised in North Carolina. She joined the Coast Guard in the winter of 1998 and
reported to Food Service Specialist training in Petaluma, CA in the spring of that same year. After completing the basic
course of food service she reported Coast Guard Base San Juan, Puerto Rico. There she trained under FS1 Scott Williams
who was the Food Service Officer at that time. He took her under his wing and motivated her to make E5 in less than two
years of enlistment. He gave her the tools to become self sufficient and she discovered how to become independent in a
galley and prepare meals that served approximately 100 patrons. She went from Puerto Rico to Coast Guard Sector San
Francisco in 2000. During the four years she spent at the Sector she trained under FSC James O’Brien and FS1 Trevor
Parra who tought her to become more creative and express herself in her cooking. In 2004 she was transferred to USCGC
Boutwell, a 378’ high endurance cutter in Alameda, California, were she was assigned to be the galley supervisor. She
trained the young petty officers and messcooks that that served under her but admits that it was not until her next unit,
USGGC Washington in Honolulu, Hawaii, that she developed a passion for culinary arts. Petty Officer Gonzalez was onboard
Boutwell only one year before she transferred to Hawaii to take the independent duty job and become the Food Service
Officer of the 110’ patrol boat. This is where she met her husband, MK1 Raul Gonzalez, who helped her more appreciate the
Coast Guard and encouraged her to excel in her performance. During that tour she cooked for 16 crewmembers during
intense patrols of the Hawaiian Island chain and began to thoroughly enjoy the service of having her shipmates look forward
to each meal. Thanks to an excellent executive officer, LTJG Katherine Bitel and with the constant encouragement from her
husband, she became qualified to stand watch, became the morale officer and master at arms, and trained to be the crane
operator and eventually became “deck in charge” during small boat operations. Petty Officer Gonzalez was the Sailor of the
Quarter during her tour onboard Washington and was also the recipient of the 2005 Food Service Specialist of the Year
award where she placed as the first runner up. She submitted an application in 2006 to be considered for the Special
Command Aide program and was picked up by RADM Sullivan, the Coast Guard District One Commander. She is currently
stationed in Boston, Massachusetts where she maintains the admiral’s quarters at the Hospital Point Lighthouse. Petty
Officer Gonzalez advance to E6 with the diligent help of her husband and great friend and colleague, FS1 Stacey Russell.
Petty Officer Gonzalez enjoys heading-up several parties each year showcasing her culinary skills in such events as intimate
dinners and large functions for high ranking officials and dignitaries. She is thankful to each individual that has inspired her
during her last nine years of service.