By U.S. Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth, Navy Office of
Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR - A 2000 Crittenden
County High School graduate and Marion,
Kentucky 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 Steve Stallions
is a yeoman serving aboard the Pearl
Harbor-based submarine, one of 40 Los Angeles-class submarines making it the
backbone of the submarine force.
A Navy yeoman is responsible for administrative affairs on the ship, such as awards, correspondence, pay, and travel.
“I enjoy being able to help out with career issues,” said Stallions. "I set up anything travel related, advancement exams, and documents all go through me."
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
the best part of this submarine,” Stallions said. “Everyone stands out in their
own way. This submarine has a reputation for doing the hardest missions,
so having a great crew is vital,” said Stallions.
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.
“My dad was in
the Army,” said Stallions. "I wanted to serve and love the water. I wanted to serve my country and make a difference, so I joined the Navy."