BANGOR, Wash. – A Summerville, South Carolina, native is serving aboard USS Kentucky, one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines.
“I didn't know what my future was going to be, but I knew I didn't want to go to college right out of high school, said Long. “I wanted to do something I knew I had the potential to do well in the future.
Long attended Summerville High School and graduated in 2005. Today, Long uses skills and values similar to those found in Summerville.
“I learned to have a hard work ethic and a failure to quit mentality,” said Long.
These lessons have helped Long 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, Long 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 Long 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.
“Our mission is strategic deterrence,” Long said. “It's our number one goal in the mission of the Department of Defense.”
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.
Long and other sailors have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of being selected for Seaman Admiral 21st Century,” said Long. “It's a program that takes enlisted sailors and sends them to college for three years, and you get an officer selection after that.”
As Long 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.
“It means contributing to the country,” added Long. “Some people do local community work. That’s hard to do in the military. It's more of a global contribution to our community.”