U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt
PEARL HARBOR – Modern attack submarines are the most technologically advanced and capable undersea warfighters in the world. Operating these highly complex submarines require sailors from the U.S. Navy’s submarine community, also known as the ‘Silent Service.’
Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicholas Anderson, a 2013 Kingwood Park High School graduate and native of Kingwood, Texas, has served for five-and-a-half years and works as a Navy machinist's mate (nuclear) serving aboard one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines, USS Charlotte, homeported at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. As a Navy machinist's mate (nuclear), Anderson is responsible for operation and maintenance of the reactor plant and propulsion systems, generating electrical power via steam turbines, and operation of various major ship systems.
Anderson credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Kingwood.
“If you want it bad enough, work for it,” said Anderson. "I was never the greatest or number one in school, but I put in the effort and it shows when hard work pays off. Never giving up on what you want most is important.”
Jobs are highly varied aboard the submarine. Approximately 130 sailors make up the submarine’s crew, doing everything from handling weapons to maintaining nuclear reactors.
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. Their primary tactical advantage is stealth, operating undetected under the sea for long periods of time.
Because of the demanding environment aboard submarines, personnel are accepted only after rigorous testing and observation. Submariners are some of the most highly trained and skilled people in the Navy. Regardless of their specialty, everyone 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.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Anderson is most proud of setting himself up for success when his service is done.
“The Navy has given me dozens of opportunities to better myself and our country,” said Anderson. “I am proud I joined, doing what I do in the Naval nuclear field. It will be huge when I leave the Navy.”
Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means Anderson is serving in a part of the world taking on a new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances, and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades. The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world's population, many of the world's largest and smallest economies, several of the world's largest militaries, and many U.S. allies.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Anderson, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Anderson is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“Almost everyone in my family has been military, many branches and generations and some are still in now,” said Anderson. “My great grandfather and grandfather influenced me the most, standing up to be the few that join, doing something more with my life and serving my country.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Anderson and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy to me means building a foundation for a career, building friendships with people that only few will ever understand and it is a means to provide for my family,” added Anderson.