By U.S. Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth, Navy Office of
Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR - A 2013 Sterling
Heights Stevenson High School graduate and Sterling Heights, Michigan native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard one of the world’s most advanced
nuclear-powered fast attack submarines, USS Cheyenne.
Seaman Adel Oro is a fire
control 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 fire control technician is responsible for all combat control systems on the submarine.
“It's always a dynamic environment, it's never boring,” said Oro.
“It's always a dynamic environment, it's never boring,” said Oro.
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 make the difference on this submarine,” said Oro. “We have a very tight-knit crew.”
Challenging
submarine living conditions actually build strong fellowship among the elite crew,
Navy offficials explained. The crews are
highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work,
watches, and drills.
“It makes my
family proud that I'm the first sailor in the family, let alone the
first submariner,” added Oro.