By U.S. Navy Chief Mass
Communication Specialist Bill Steele, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public
Affairs
PEARL HARBOR - A 1987
Elsinore High School graduate and Murrieta, Calif. 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 City of Corpus Christi.
Master Chief Chris Farrell is
a machinist's mate (nuclear) serving aboard the Pearl Harbor-based submarine,
one of 40 Los Angeles-class submarines making it the backbone of the submarine
force.
A Navy machinist's mate
(nuclear) is responsible for all aspects of training and operation of the
nuclear propulsion plant.
“Instilling standards and
training is my favorite part of this job," Farrell said. "The
operational ethos that the standards brings is what my job is all about."
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.
“Being enclosed in a confined
space, you're on a lot more intimate terms with the personal and professional
lives of your sailors,” Farrell said. “And this sub is one of the oldest in the
fleet, so it offers more material challenges. But making stuff work is what
we're all about, and the close-knit family setting we have enables us to get
the job done.
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.
“I joined the Navy because I
needed direction when I had none," added Farrell. "The Navy has
taught me skills, has taught me leadership, integrity, honor, and what it feels
like to have a higher purpose."