U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rusty Pang
PEARL HARBOR –A Stafford, Virginia, native and 2008 Colonial Forge High School graduate is serving at the U.S. Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific (NSTCP) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Lt. William Love has served for seven years and works as a Navy submarine officer and is serving within the U.S. Pacific Fleet area of operations. The U.S. Pacific Fleet is the world’s largest fleet command, encompassing 100 million square miles, nearly half the Earth’s surface, from Antarctica to the Arctic Circle and from the West Coast of the United States into the Indian Ocean.As a Navy submarine officer, Love is responsible for carrying out the operations of the submarine. They drive the ship on the surface and submerged to ensure bothe safe operations of the submarine and carry out any missions to ensure undersea domain.
Love credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Stafford.
“A strong work ethic has been vital in helping me complete the training required to qualify as a submarine officer and learn the skills that are needed to carry out the responsibilities I have been tasked with,” said Love.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
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.
Sailors learn engineering and tactical team training during their courses of instruction required to serve aboard submarines using the most advanced technology. Training is tailored to each ship’s specific needs to develop the skills and expertise required to support operations around the world in war and peace.
Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to in defense circles as the gateway to the Pacific, means Love 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 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. The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Love is most proud of temporarily serving as the ship’s engineer for an underway while the engineer was on paternity leave.
“I was responsible for half the personnel on the ship and ensuring safe nuclear reactor operations," said Love. "I was able to accomplish the mission of the ship’s engineer and performed well.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Love, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Love is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father served in the U.S. Marine Corps for over 20 years and instilled in me the importance of service and protecting this great republic,” said Love. “I believe I will continue the legacy my father started.”
According to Navy officials, supporting the high operational tempo and unique challenges of the submarine force builds strong fellowship and a strong sense of mission.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Love and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy gives me the opportunity to see things I never would have seen otherwise
and constantly push myself to improve," added Love. "It also allows me to serve in the force that allows the majority of the American population to not have to worry about the defense of the country.”