By U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve
Watterworth, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR - A 2012 Jefferson High School graduate and Martinsburg, West
Virginia native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of a crew working
aboard one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered fast attack submarines,
USS Santa Fe.
Petty
Officer 3rd Class Austin Barrett
is a culinary 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 culinary specialist is
responsible for food service on the
submarine.
“Especially on a submarine, where you are
underway for long periods of time without seeing the light of day, food has
more of an impact on the crew’s morale than probably anything else,”
said Barrett.
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.
“We’re a
close-knit brotherhood,” said Barrett.
“The submariner community is unique in the Navy.”
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.
“It's a family
tradition to be in the Navy,” added Barrett.
“I hope I can inspire more people to also join the Navy.”