Alamo, Texas native serving aboard nuclear-powered submarine

By U.S. Navy Chief Mass Communication Specialist Bill Steele, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR – A 2008 Ed Couch-Elsa High School graduate and Alamo, Texas native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard one of the Navy’s newest attack submarines, the USS North Carolina.

Seaman Victor Salazarnewman is a sonar technician (submarine) aboard the Pearl Harbor-based boat, one of only 12 Virginia-class attack submarines in the Navy’s fleet.  The Virginia class is comprised of the Navy’s newest and most advanced subs.

A Navy sonar technician is responsible for for classifying sonar contacts and ensuring the safety of the ship.

“I really like how we use high tech sensors and the capabilities they have allowed us to do what we do,” said Salazarnewman.

With a crew of 130, this submarine is 377 feet long and weighs approximately 7,800 tons.  A nuclear-powered propulsion system helps push the submarine through the water at more than 25 mph.

Attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare.  Their primary tactical advantage is stealth, operating undetected under the sea for long periods of time.

“Submarine sailors never cease to amaze me with their ability to complete complex missions in the world’s most challenging environments,” said Rear Adm. Fritz Roegge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “Continued U.S. undersea superiority is not possible without their dedication, expertise and professionalism.”

According to Navy officials, because of the demanding environment aboard submarines, personnel are accepted only after rigorous testing and observation. Submariners are some of the most highly trained and skilled people in the Navy. The training is highly technical, and each crew has to be able to operate, maintain, and repair every system or piece of equipment on board.  Regardless of their specialty, everyone also has to learn how everything on the ship works and how to respond in emergencies to become “qualified in submarines” and earn the right to wear the coveted gold or silver dolphins on their uniform.

“I like spending time underwater,” Salazarnewman said. “It's peaceful. It can be isolating, but you also don't worry about outside things. You can concentrate on your job and career.”

Challenging submarine living conditions actually build strong fellowship among the elite crew, Navy officials explained. The crews are highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions.  It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills.

“We have a responsibility to keep the world's oceans safe and do our jobs to the best of our ability,” added Salazarnewman. “That discipline to serve is one of the most important things to me.”