BANGOR, Wash. – A Delta, Ohio, native is serving aboard USS Pennsylvania, one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines.
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| Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Jake Joy, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
"I realized that the path I was going down in college was not the best choice,” said Louy. “I decided to follow in my father's footsteps. He served in the Navy in the early 90s and was stationed in San Diego.”
Louy attended Evergreen High School and graduated in 2017. Today, Louy uses skills and values similar to those found in Delta.
“My dad, Thomas Louy, runs his own mechanics shop,” said Louy. "I learned that if you were willing to put in the work you were valuable. That translated well in the Navy, because we have value to our mission putting in the work."
These lessons have helped Louy while serving aboard USS Pennsylvania.
Known as America’s “Silent Service,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).
Fast-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; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare.
The Navy's ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as "boomers," serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles.
Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes. As a member of the submarine force, Louy is part of a rich 121-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.
Serving in the Navy means Louy is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“When we go on patrol aboard a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, we know what we do is important,” said Louy. "We hope we never have to launch our missiles, but we know that the deterrence we provide makes us safer."
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through underwater fiber optic, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, and for decades Naval Submarine Base Bangor has been home to Ohio Class ballistic-missile submarines. Beginning in 2028, the new Columbia Class ballistic-missile submarines will arrive and provide continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.
Louy and other sailors have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“We shot two torpedoes as part of an exercise in 2019 off the coast of San Diego,” said Louy.
As Louy and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions to support national defense, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I enjoy serving in the Navy learning all of the skills I can,” added Louy. "This is a great place for self-improvement."