By Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth, Navy Office of
Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR – A Mebane, North
Carolina native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard one of the Navy’s
newest attack submarines, USS North Carolina.
Petty Officer
3rd Class Michael Allison is a machinist's
mate (submarine) 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 machinist's mate operates and maintains underwater weapons launch systems.
They are responsible for the safe loading, unloading, shipping and storage of
these weapons and conduct limited maintenance on torpedoes and missiles.
“We
are like family on this boat,” said Allison. “We count on each other.”
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.
“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 best part of this job is the things I've done and the people I've met,” said
Allison. “It’s like having a second family.”
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 almost a higher calling,” said Allison. “Knowing you are a part of maintaining the safety of your friends and family is paramount.”