By U.S. Navy Chief Mass
Communication Specialist Bill Steele, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public
Affairs
PEARL HARBOR - A 2007
graduate of St. Dominic High School in Long Island New York and Rochester, New
York 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.
Lt. Paul Gale is an assistant
engineer serving aboard the Pearl Harbor-based submarine, one of 40 Los Angeles-class
submarines making it the backbone of the submarine force.
A Navy assistant engineering
officer is responsible for maintainance planning for the engineering
department.
“I work mostly in the engine
room, but I get to work with all the engineering departments,” Gale said. “I
like making plans from various divisions and seeing how they work for the
ship.”
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 on a machine that is
more complicated than the space shuttle is pretty cool," said Gale.
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.
“Coming out of college, I
wanted to do a job I could be proud of and make a difference," added Gale.
"I think that is what I am doing here."