By U.S. Navy Chief Mass Communications Specialist Bill
Steele, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR - A 2006 Northern Valley in Almena High School
graduate and Logan, Kansas 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 1st Class
Patrick Hammond
is an electronics technician, navigation
serving aboard the Pearl Harbor-based submarine, one of 40 Los Angeles-class
submarines making it the backbone of the submarine force.
A Navy electronics
technician, navigation is responsible for ensuring the submarine stays on course and doesn't hit any obstacles.
“There's the chart side and
the electronics side, you get to learn both so there's not just one trade,”
said Hammond. “I like that aspect of the job.”
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.
“There's good communication
flow on this sub, everyone’s here to accomplish the mission,” said Hammond.
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.
“Honestly, the reason I
haven't put in an officer package is I don't want to leave this brotherhood of
submariners,” Hammond said. “It means that much to me.”