By Lt. Cmdr. Gus T. Hein, Navy Office of Community
Outreach
SANTA RITA, Guam - A 1995 Sayreville War Memorial High
School
graduate and South
Amboy, New Jersey 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.
Cmdr. Steven Tarr serves in Guam as part of the Navy's forward deployed force.
He serves
as the Commanding Officer of a Los Angeles Class Submarine, the USS
Topeka. He is resposible for the
performance, safety and well being of 150 crew members.
“I enjoy helping sailors be
better at what they do and grow as individuals," said Tarr. "It's very satisfying interacting with
the sailors on a daily basis. It's all
about the people.”
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 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.
"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 think Guam is
unique," said Tarr. "There are opportunities and challenges to being
stationed out here. The island is
beautiful and the people are very friendly.
It's a wonderful and distinct cultural and ethnic experience.”
Challenging submarine living conditions
actually build strong fellowship among the crew, Tarr
explained. The crews are highly motivated, and quickly adapt to
changing conditions. It is a busy life
of specialized work, watches, and drills.
“I
like being a part of something greater than myself," Tarr added. "I
take my responsibility very seriously.
My family has a long history of service.
My wife's side was mostly Army and my father and grandfather were both
in the Navy.”