By U.S. Navy Chief Mass Communications Specialist Bill
Steele, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR - A 2006 Westfield 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.
Chief Petty Officer Thomas McLeod
is a logistics specialist serving aboard
the Pearl Harbor-based submarine, one of 40 Los Angeles-class submarines making
it the backbone of the submarine force.
A Navy logistics specialist
is responsible for maintaining the ship's
financial and material readiness.
“The ship needs logistics specialists,” said McLeod. “We maintain the financials and order
the parts to get stuff fixed. Without us the ship wouldn't be able to stay
mission ready.”
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 happy to be here, they love what they do,” McLeod said. "Once we shut the hatches, we have 150 guys who share stories, read books, and have fun together. We've got each other's backs."
“The crew is happy to be here, they love what they do,” McLeod said. "Once we shut the hatches, we have 150 guys who share stories, read books, and have fun together. We've got each other's backs."
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.
“Providing for my nation
makes me feel great,” added McLeod. “It means everything to me to give back.”