By U.S. Navy Chief Mass Communication Specialist Bill
Steele, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR - A 2013 Pinconning High School graduate and Pinconning, Michigan
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 Jared Fryzel
is a sonar technician serving aboard the
Pearl Harbor-based submarine, one of 40 Los Angeles-class submarines making it
the backbone of the submarine force.
A Navy sonar technician
is the eyes and ears of the boat. Underway, they
are the primary means of navigational safety.
“There is a coolness factor
of being a sonar technician on a submarine, being able to see, hear and
experience the world's oceans,” said Fryzel.
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.
“Not a lot of people get to serve on submarines,”
said Fryzel. “It’s a very unique experience. I've seen things I could never talk about
with other people. It feels good that the government trusts me with this
level of responsibility.”
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.
“Serving in the Navy has given me the opportunity to
serve my country and pursue my dreams for the future,” added Fryzel.