Photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Darryl Wood
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2012 The Woodlands High School graduate and The Woodlands, Texas, native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard one of the Navy’s fast attack submarines, USS Newport News.
Lt. j.g. Seth S. Fireman is a nuclear power plant supervisor aboard the Norfolk-based submarine.
A Navy Nuclear Power Plant Supervisor is responsible for coordinating activities of sailors engaged in operation and control of the nuclear reactor, turbine generator and auxiliary equipment.
“The people I get to work with is why I love this job,” said Fireman. “Seeing the sailors draw from their experiences and the vast job knowledge they display when executing the mission is incredible. The sailors I work with accomplish their jobs with a high level of professionalism, and for me to be a part of that is invaluable.”
Fireman credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in The Woodlands.
“I grew up swimming, hiking and mountain biking along with other endurance sports, and the challenge to go further and try harder to improve myself and to contribute to a team effort, I believe is why I gravitated to the submarine service,” said Fireman. “Everyone on the boat has a key role in the success of the mission and the standard is one hundred percent all the time. Not a lot of people thrive with that standard, but those in the submarine service do.”
Newport News is a nuclear- powered fast attack submarine class 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.
With a crew of 130, this submarine is 361 feet long and displaces approximately 7,800 tons. Newport News’ nuclear-powered propulsion system helps push the submarine through the water at more than 25 mph and to depths greater than 800 feet.
A key element of the Navy’s mission is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our submarines continue to provide access with influence,” said Vice Adm. Chas Richard, Commander, Submarine Forces. “Our elite force is charged by our Nation with exploiting unique undersea advantages to provide the United States influence, especially far forward where other forces cannot complete the mission, and where persistent undersea concealment provides unique access. We use that access and undersea concealment to provide unique intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in support of national interests, and, if necessary, we are ready to use our undersea advantage to conduct strike warfare ashore, conduct theater and unit-level anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, and perform other missions such as employing special forces.”
Fireman is the first in his family to join the Navy and serve aboard submarines.
“Both of my parents served in the department of defense as civilian employees, so serving in the Navy was a decision based on a culmination of their experiences and the goals I had for my life,” said Fireman.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Fireman is most proud of being a submariner.
“Having almost completed the requirements for submarine warfare officer, while on deployment, I can’t wait to join the ranks of this honored and storied group as a qualified submariner,” said Fireman.
Submariners are some of the most highly-trained and skilled sailors in the Navy. The training programs are highly technical to ensure each crew has to be able to operate, maintain, and repair every system or piece of equipment on board.
Regardless of their specialty, every submariner also has to learn how every system on the submarine works and how to respond in emergencies. To become qualified in submarines is challenging, however it earns the sailor the right to wear the coveted “dolphins” and a life-long respect among colleagues and veterans.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Fireman and his fellow submariners know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.
“I joined the Navy for the adventure,” said Firemen. “I wanted to travel and gain life experience but I also wanted to make a difference in the world. Being able to pursue my passion of working with high tech equipment has also allowed me to improve my skills and to contribute in a meaningful way to the Navy’s mission.”
With only 130 elite sailors assigned, submarine crews build strong fellowship, are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions. A career as in submarines is a life of specialized work, unique missions and some of the most advanced training in the Navy.
Fireman’s parents, Howard and Karen Fireman, both reside in The Woodlands, Texas.