By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR
- A 2008 Coopersville
High School graduate and Coopersville, Mich. 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 City of Corpus
Christi.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Raymond Whitman
serves aboard the Pearl Harbor-based submarine, one of 40 Los Angeles-class
submarines making it the backbone of the submarine force.
He is responsible for the operation,
repair and maintenance of shipboard electronic equipment.
“I enjoy working with the people I work with, they’re all
professionals,” said Whitman.
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.
“Getting to see new places and do interesting things has
been one of the best parts about serving aboard this sub,” Whitman said.
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.
“Serving in the Navy means that I’m giving back and doing
my part to protect this country,” added Whitman.