By
U.S. Navy Chief Mass Communication Specialist Bill Steele, Navy Office of Community
Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL
HARBOR – A 2012 graduate of Trabuco High School in Mission Viejo, California
and Judith Basin, Montana native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard one of the
Navy’s newest attack submarines, the USS North Carolina.
Petty
Officer 3rd Class Daniel Bowman is a sonar technician aboard the Pearl
Harbor-based boat, one of only 12 Virginia-class attack submarines in the
Navy’s fleet. The Virginia class is comprised of the Navy’s newest and
most advanced subs.
A Navy
sonar technician is responsible for tracking and classifying sonar contacts.
“I
really like the biologics -- the ocean life, the whales and dolphins,"
said Bowman. "Wherever we go they all sound different. It's not something
you can listen to everyday.”
With a
crew of 130, this submarine is 377 feet long and weighs approximately 7,800
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
camaraderie and the brotherhood of being a submariner is what makes it all
work,” said Bowman.
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.
“For
me, serving in the Navy is all about protecting the United States,” Bowman
said. “It's not an obligation, it's an honor for me to do.”