GROTON, Conn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Austin Bailey, a native of Porter, Texas, is training sailors to continue the U.S. Navy’s 125-year tradition of service under the sea.
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| Photo by Fire Control Technician Seaman Recruit Duncan Woodard, Naval Submarine School |
Bailey graduated from Porter High School in 2012.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Porter.
“Growing up in Porter, I learned the value of accountability,” Bailey said. “‘Be on time’ and ‘do stuff right the first time’ are the guiding principles I bring with me from my hometown.”
Bailey joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Bailey serves as a religious program specialist and is staff at Navy Submarine School, training sailors to serve in the submarine force.
“My grandfather served in the Marine Corps,” Bailey said. “I joined the Navy to follow in his footsteps.”
Located aboard Naval Submarine Base New London, Naval Submarine School is where officers and enlisted sailors learn the basic knowledge needed to join operational submarine commands in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets. Once in the fleet, this foundation allows sailors to build competence and proficiency in operating and maintaining submarines and all their systems. The school also provides refresher and advanced training to members of the submarine force and those supporting submarine commands to increase proficiency in specific skills.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators,” the U.S. Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically 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, ballistic-missile submarines and guided-missile submarines.
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 Virginia-class fast-attack submarine is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.
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. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarines produced by the U.S., replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.
Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each guided-missile submarine is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Bailey is part of the rich 125-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.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Bailey has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of serving past my first contract,” Bailey said. “The Navy isn't easy, and I take great pride in my service.”
Bailey serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me,” Bailey said. “It has given me purpose and a sense of pride in myself. It has also given me a pathway to success after service.”
Bailey is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Amber, for her support,” Bailey said. “She is always there for our family, especially when I am not able to be there.”