GROTON, Conn. - Seaman Apprentice Kaleigh Almond, a native of Winter Garden, Florida, is training to be part of 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 |
Almond graduated from West Orange High School in 2008.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Winter Garden.
“I learned how to work with a lot of people from different backgrounds and cultures from former jobs I had in my hometown,” Almond said. “I used to work in a hospital as a patient distribution attendant. That job allowed me to interact with a lot of people from different cultures. It helped me learn about cultures and how everybody brings something to situations.”
Almond joined the Navy nine months ago. Today, Almond is a student at Naval Submarine School, training to serve as an information systems technician (communications) in the submarine force.
“I come from a long line of military in my family,” Almond said. “My grandpas, uncles and cousins all served in various branches, mostly the Army. I wanted to serve my country. I did my research, and the Navy and Air Force tended to be a little more friendly toward women. I also always loved water and the sea. The Navy just spoke to me. I feel like I’m where God wants me to be. I’m the first submariner and first warfighting woman in my family.”
Located aboard Naval Submarine Base New London, Naval Submarine School is where officers and enlisted sailors receive the basic knowledge needed to join operational submarine commands in the fleet. U.S. Navy sailors are training at the schoolhouse alongside members of the Royal Australian Navy who are part of the AUKUS Pillar 1 Optimal Pathway, a partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States aimed at helping Australia acquire a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
Once in the fleet, the foundation established at submarine school 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.
After completing their training, Almond will serve aboard or in support of one of the Navy’s 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, Almond 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.
Almond has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of my graduation certificate from Basic Enlisted Submarine School,” Almond said. “I feel like all that hard work, even though I was rolled back for being sick two days in a row, was worth it. I worked hard, studied, and passed all my quizzes and tests. I passed my trainers. I did it all. It made me proud.”
Almond 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 is an honor for me,” Almond said. “I get to protect my country and the ones I love.”
Almond is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Jeanne Williams, for being there for me every step of the way and my dad, Ken Williams, who is with me here in spirit,” Almond said.