By U.S. Navy Chief Mass Communications Specialist Bill
Steele, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR - A 2010 Clear Brook High School graduate and Houston, Texas
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
Tucker Fox
is a sonar technician, submarine serving
aboard the Pearl Harbor-based submarine, one of 40 Los Angeles-class submarines
making it the backbone of the submarine force.
A Navy sonar technician,
submarine is the eyes and ears of the
sub, responsible for its safety while underway.
“This is probably the only
job [on the submarine] where you know what's going on, you're not just down in
some bilge taking logs,”
said Fox. "You're cognizant of what's going on outside the boat."
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.
“The crew is really good—we
all look out for each other, we're pretty tight-knit,” said Fox. "It makes our job easier. It's one of the good things about subs."
Challenging submarine living
conditions actually build strong fellowship among the elite crew, Navy offficials explained. The crews are highly
motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work,
watches, and drills.
“I wanted to prove to
myself something by joining the Navy,” added Fox. “It's been tough, but
rewarding.”