By U.S. Navy Chief Mass Communications Specialist Bill
Steele, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR - A Homosassa,
Florida 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 3rd Class
Seth Berkson
is a machinist's mate, weapons 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,
weapons is responsible for the upkeep of weapons systems on the
submarine, including torpedos and Tomahawk
missiles.
“It's fast-paced, high-risk,
there's a lot to get used to,” Berkson said. “I'm into what I do, it has its
ups and downs, and not everything is exciting but when everything is on, it's
on.”
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.
“It's a pretty tight-knit community—it's the best kept secret in the world,” said Berkson.
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.
“If someone had told me a few years ago I would become a
weapons tech on a submarine, I wouldn’t have believed them,” Berkson said. “I'm the first person from my immediate family to
serve in the Navy. It’s pretty cool to go back home and share some of my
expereinces with my friends and family, it gives me a sense of pride.”