By U.S. Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth, Navy Office of
Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR - A 2009 Spring
Grove Area High School graduate and York,
Pennsylvania native is serving in the U.S. Navy
aboard one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered fast attack submarines,
USS Cheyenne.
Lt.j.g. Wesley Riley is an electrical
division engineering officer serving aboard the Pearl Harbor-based
submarine, one of 40 Los Angeles-class submarines making it the backbone of the
submarine force.
Riley is responsible for overseeing the operation of the reactor on the
Cheyenne, in addition to engineering responsiblities including being qualified
to stand watch and manage personnel.
“This boat was the test platform for new technologies for the Virginia and
Seawolf Class,” said Riley.
“There’s a lot to study and learn. Every day I
learn different aspects of the job, and every day is different from the rest.”
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 wardroom
is very tight-knit on the Cheyenne,”
said Riley. "There is a lot of history made in and with those who have served."
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 on
this sub is a career move for me,” added Riley. "I'll see where it goes, and keep an open mind about the direction potential choices take me."