By Lt.
Cmdr. Gus T. Hein, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
SANTA RITA, Guam - A 1988 Kewanee
High School and Auburn University graduate and Kewanee, Illinois native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of the staff of
Submarine Squadron 15.
Capt. Lance Thompson is serving aboard Naval Base Guam, supporting sailors
who serve aboard forward-deployed submarines.
He
serves as the Deputy Squadron
Commander for Submarine Squadron 15.
“I enjoy helping out our young sailors and interacting with the
submarine crews,” said Thompson.
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.”
Because Guam sailors are located at one of our nation’s most
strategically important forward-deployed submarine bases, these sailors are
considered the first line of defense in the Pacific, according to Navy
officials.
"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 really
enjoy mentoring the sailors and assisting the command leadership which is vital
to keeping the squadron operating,” said Thompson.
The integrated crew of sailors and civilian
mariners builds a strong fellowship while working alongside
each other, Thompson
explained. The crews are highly
motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work,
watches and drills.