By U.S. Navy Chief Mass Communication Specialist Bill
Steele, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR - A 2014 McKeesport Area High School graduate and McKeesport, Pennsylvania
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.
Seaman Seanlou Gilmore
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 all adminstrative related tasks
on a ship.
“Being underwater for months
at a time, we all have a really good connection with each other in the office,”
said Gilmore.
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 have a lot of fun on this sub,” said Gilmore. “We're
a small group, only 150 sailors, so it's been great to get to know so many
people on a personal level.”
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.
“The Navy is a calling. My brother joined two years
before I did, and he encouraged me to join,” added Gilmore. “I like how
organized life in the Navy is. You wake up every day and you have a plan of the
day, but every day is different and challenging.”