By U.S. Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth, Navy Office of
Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR - A 2010 Santa
Teresa High School graduate and San Jose,
California native is serving in the U.S. Navy
aboard one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered fast attack submarines,
USS Cheyenne.
Petty
Officer 2nd Class Robert Coutts
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 calibrating gauges, coordinating watchbills, and
repairing equipment that is broken.
“I work on a nuclear engine and I like being able to work on and around
things, making them work,”
said Coutts. "It always feels good to fix a pump or air compressor."
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.
“The people
are what makes the climate what it is onboard the sub,” Coutts said. “It's a
small family to joke around and work with, the special bond we have as
submariners.”
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.
“Navy service
means that I stand for something greater than myself,” added Coutts. “I hold
myself to a higher standard. It shows that I can be professional and better
myself every day. I can get the best out of my own life.”