By Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth, Navy Office of
Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR – A 2004 Altus High
School graduate and Altus, Oklahoma native is serving in the U.S. Navy
aboard one of the Navy’s newest attack submarines, USS North Carolina.
Chief Petty Officer
Mark Shelly
is an electronics technician (submarine,
navigation) 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 electronics technician (submarine, navigation) specializes
in navigation systems. They are responsible for electronic equipment used to
navigate Navy submarines. They must maintain, repair, calibrate, tune, and
adjust all electronic equipment used for navigation.
“My job allows me to do something that most people haven't even thought
about,” said Shelly.
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.
“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.
“It’s a great opportunity to
serve aboard this sub,” said Shelly. “This is
the most sophisticated warfighting machine I have worked on.”
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.
“My
family has a great tradition of service in the military which is why it is
important for me to serve in the Navy,” said Shelly.