By Lt. Cmdr. Gus T. Hein, Navy Office of Community
Outreach
SANTA RITA, Guam - A 2010 Meade Senior High and U.S.
Naval Academy
graduate and Fort
Meade, Maryland 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 Topeka.
Lt. j.g. Christopher
Reynolds serves aboard the Pearl
Harbor-based submarine, one of 40 Los Angeles-class submarines making it the
backbone of the submarine force.
He is responsible for the
supervision and maintenance of all of the electrical equipment on Topeka.
“I enjoy working with the
sailors and learning leadership qualities," said Reynolds. "I also
really like Guam and the tropical climate and the chance to live somewhere
different.”
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 nearly 30 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.
“Guam sailors are located at our nation’s most strategically important
forward-deployed submarine base, and the missions they conduct at the tip of
the spear are incredible,” said Capt. David Schappert, Commander, Submarine
Squadron 15. “They are constantly challenged and continually rise to meet and
exceed expectations. Guam is the place to be for submariners, and we have the
‘Go Guam!’ initiative to showcase all the great things we do out here.”
According to Navy officials, because of
the stressful 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.
"These sailors continue to impress me with the level of
effort and expertise they put into successfully completing their mission day-in
and day-out," Rear Adm. Frederick Roegge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S.
Pacific Fleet, said. "Their actions and dedication to service enables the
Submarine Force to excel in the undersea domain."
“I like serving on a
submarine because this is something I have always wanted to do and to serve in
Guam is an added blessing,” said Reynolds.
Challenging submarine living conditions
actually build strong fellowship among the crew, Reynolds
explained. The crews are highly motivated, and quickly adapt to
changing conditions. It is a busy life
of specialized work, watches, and drills.
“Serving is my way of giving back,” added Reynolds. “I am very cognizant of the fact I have a very blessed life because I
am an American citizen.”