BANGOR, Wash. – A Dunwoody, Georgia, native is serving as the commanding officer aboard USS Kentucky, 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 |
“When I was a kid, I was fascinated about space exploration,” said Campbell. “I read not just about astronauts but the Navy sailors who were at the forefront of space and sea exploration. I'd always loved the sea and the water. Growing up around boats my whole life, the Navy was a natural fit."
Campbell attended Marist High School and graduated in 1998. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 2002. Today, Campbell uses skills and values similar to those found in Atlanta.
“Growing up in Georgia, there's a great sense of heritage, community and tradition,” said Campbell. "We're very proud of military service. Being able to grow up in a place where civil rights leaders came from was inspiring. This diversity helped me appreciate the great sense of history and heritage that we have."
These lessons have helped Campbell while serving aboard USS Kentucky.
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, Campbell 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 Campbell 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.
“The Navy gives us the ability to always play the away game,” said Campbell. “We provide open seas for the entire world through forward presence, allowing for free trade on and under the sea. We allow for international commerce along with the free flow of ideas. We also ensure we have forces where they're needed to offer assistance or deter a threat.”
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.
Campbell and other sailors have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I take pride in seeing our sailors achieve their own goals,” said Campbell. "Watching a sailor get promoted while pursuing their own goals is very humbling. Leading a group of young men and women aboard a nuclear-powered submarine is an honor. Working in this environment to complete our mission is very rewarding."
As Campbell 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 come from a family that has volunteered to serve dating back to at least World War I,” added Campbell. "My forefathers were enlisted, so being able to lead enlisted sailors has been an opportunity of a lifetime. Being part of this organization aboard this submarine is an honor."