By U.S. Navy Chief Mass Communication Specialist Bill
Steele, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR - A 2009 Hammond High School graduate and Columbia, Maryland
native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of a crew working aboard one of the
world’s most advanced nuclear-powered fast attack submarines, USS Santa Fe.
Petty Officer 2nd Class
Kevin McVicker
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 is
responsible for the chemistry and radiological
controls of a nuclear reactor.
“My job allows me to be
independent. We are entrusted,” said McVicker. “It really sets up career
opportunities for you when you get out, but also affords you great job
opportunities if you decide to stay in. So it's win-win in my opinion.”
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.
“You can't live in a tube with a 130 guys and not know everything
about them,” said McVicker. “You
rely on the person next to you to save your life, from a lower enlisted to a
higher ranking officer. You don't really see that on surface ships, where
officer and enlisted are separated.”
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.
“I am a huge American,” added McVicker.
“I wholeheartedly agree with the notion of serving
your country. We work long hours to preserve what everyone else has, and that
means a lot to me.”