By U.S. Navy Chief Mass Communications Specialist Bill
Steele, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR - A 2000 Governor Thomas Johnson High School graduate
and Frederick, Maryland 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
Isaac Shelton
is a yeoman serving aboard the Pearl
Harbor-based submarine, one of 40 Los Angeles-class submarines making it the
backbone of the submarine force.
A Navy yeoman is
responsible for all administrative related tasks
on the boat.
“It's rewarding work because we
help people out to further their Navy career,” said Shelton. “Everyone
eventually has to come to see us, so it's a good way to get to know the crew,
too.”
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.
“I've met a great
diversity of people on this boat, people I would have never talked to on the
outside,” said Shelton “It’s
opened my mind and taught me patience.”
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 grew up in military
family, so Navy service is second nature to me,” added Shelton. “It gives me a
lot of pride and motivation.”