By U.S. Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth, Navy Office of
Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR - A 2012 Legacy High
School graduate and Broomfield, Colorado native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard
one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered fast attack submarines, USS Cheyenne.
Petty
Officer 2nd Class Taylor Ashcroft
is a machinist's mate, nuclear serving
aboard the Pearl Harbor-based submarine, one of 40 Los Angeles-class submarines
making it the backbone of the submarine force.
A Navy machinist's mate, nuclear is responsible for the mechanical systems that push the boat.
“I make
the underway water,” Ashcroft said. “We make all the high and low pressure air
for the boat. I also do career counseling, helping people stay in the Navy. I like being a
mechanic, doing maintenance on components that are three times my size.”
With a crew of 130, this
submarine is 360 feet long and weighs approximately 6,900 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.
“This
submarine has the highest morale of any around here,”
said Ashcroft. "There is the trust that everyone will work as hard as me. We are all here for the same purpose. It's easy to take care of my family at home and my family here on the boat."
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.
“Being in the
Navy means everything to me,” added Ashcroft. "My family commitment to the Navy spans four generations. I love the fact that I get to defend my country. The torch from my family has been passed to me."