BANGOR, Wash. – A Sedro-Woolley, Washington, 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 |
"In addition to service to my country and career development, I also wanted to travel the world," said Edwards.
Edwards attended Sedro-Woolley High School and graduated in 2015. Today, Edwards uses skills and values similar to those found in Sedro-Woolley.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of overcoming tough situations and maintaining a strong work ethic,” said Edwards.
These lessons have helped Edwards 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, Edwards 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 Edwards 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 provides nuclear deterrence and forward defense on land and sea,” said Edwards.
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.
Edwards and other sailors have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service. Edwards performed a job that hadn't been done on this class of submarine for more than 10 years.
"I worked with a team to replace a nuclear detector,” said Edwards. “This is a job normally done by someone off the ship, but we were able to do it with the ship's force. Doing it ourselves saved time, meaning, we could get the sub underway in a timely manner."
As Edwards 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.
“The Navy provides me with a purposeful approach to furthering my work and life experiences,” added Edwards.