By U.S. Navy Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth, Navy Office of
Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR - A 2011 St. Anthony
High School graduate and St. Anthony, Minnesota native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard
one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered fast attack submarines, USS Cheyenne.
Seaman Darren Lawson is an electronics
technician, navigation serving aboard the Pearl Harbor-based submarine, one
of 40 Los Angeles-class submarines making it the backbone of the submarine
force.
A Navy electronics technician, navigation is
responsible for the safe navigation of the ship,
interior equipment, and maintanance of the navigation equipment.
“When you are underway, this job is about knowing what is going on,”
Lawson said. “It's learning to diagnose problems before they happen, and reducing
downtime. There are many pieces of equipment to maintain.”
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.
“Coming right
out of sub school, this crew was very welcoming,” said Lawson. "The guys I hang out with are just like a family. The senior leadership is very helpful, they mentor constantly."
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.
“Graduating
high school, I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself,” added Lawson.