by ICEX Public Affairs
ARCTIC CIRCLE - A 2005 Putnam High School graduate and Putnam, Connecticut, native recently participated in a unique Navy mission at the top of the world aboard one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered fast attack submarines, USS Hartford (SSN 768).
Navy Chief Petty Officer Paul M. Tetreault, Jr., is a culinary specialist serving aboard one of 40 Los Angeles-class submarines in the U.S. Navy. Hartford is one of two U.S. submarines that participated in the Navy’s biennial Ice Exercise (ICEX) above the Arctic Circle. The ICEX is designed to give submarines and opportunity to train and maintain readiness in the unique, ice-covers waters of the Arctic Ocean.
As a culinary specialist, Tetreault is a short order cook and restaurant manager for the ship.
When asked about his favorite part of his job, Tetreault said, “Knowing that as a group of submariners, there isn’t anything we cannot accomplish at a high level. The pride of doing what I do is unmeasurable when comparing to any other aspect of work.”
The Hartford sailors who participated in ICEX transited 7,000 miles through icebergs and frigid water to reach the exercise location in the Beaufort Sea. Navigating Arctic waters is no easy feat because of constant salinity and cold water changes and the ice above makes surfacing a complicated task.
During the five-week ICEX, participants conducted multiple Arctic transits, surfaced near the North Pole, collected scientific data and learned from multiple training evolutions. Sailors practiced key skills and tested new Navy technology, tactics and procedures (TTPs) that will ensure that not only Hartford can operate in the Arctic, but that other submarines and TTP developers in the force learn from their experience and feedback.
During the exercise, Tetreault will have an active role as a leader for sailors on the deck plate. As the control room supervisor, he ensures the crew remains safe and on track to execute the commanding officer’s orders.
Hartford, with a crew of 142 Sailors, is 360-feet long and weighs approximately 6,900 tons. A nuclear-powered propulsion system helps push the submarine through the water at nearly 30 mph.
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; carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, and engage in mine warfare.
Tetreault’s proudest accomplishment professionally, is qualifying as diving officer of the watch. This makes him the most senior enlisted control watch officer watch stander onboard. Personally, it was finding out that his wife was pregnant two days before leaving for ICEX.
Submariners are some of the most highly-trained and skilled people in the Navy. The training is highly-technical and each crew has to be able to operate, maintain, and repair every system or piece of equipment on board. Regardless of their specialty, everyone also has to learn how everything on the ship works and how to respond in emergencies to become “qualified in submarines” and earn the right to wear the coveted gold or silver dolphins on their uniform.
Tetreault's father did one enlistment in the Navy in the mid 80's as an aviation ordnanceman stationed on the JFK aircraft carrier and he is honored to carry on the family tradition.
When asked why he joined the military, Tetreault said,” It was to be a part of something bigger than the small town that I grew up in. The Navy uses the slogan, “Accelerate your Life,” and that fit into exactly what I wanted to be. Having a twelve dollar an hour job building and installing cabinets at age 18 wasn’t going to fulfill my desire of a large family with bright futures.”
Tetreault has many interests and hobbies. He plays in many sports teams that he can fit into his schedule, such as softball on base, or YMCA basketball leagues. His newest hobby is coaching, and now learning that his son is able to play tee ball, he will pursue being a coach for his son’s team.
“I’m extremely family-oriented,” said Tetreault. “I have three amazing children, with one on the way, with my superhero of a wife. I know I wouldn’t be able to do what I do on a daily basis without what she does at home for the children.”