Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Brad Gee
KINGS BAY, Ga. – As citizens of Apple Valley go about their daily lives, members of the U.S. Navy’s “Silent Service” submarine force work beneath the ocean’s waves, continuing a tradition that only a small fraction of military members will ever know: strategic deterrence.
Bowden is a sonar technician stationed at the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, homeport to the Ohio-class ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines.
"Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is home to all East Coast Ohio-class submarines," said Rear Adm. Jeff Jablon, commander, Submarine Group 10. "Team Kings Bay ensures our crews are combat ready when called upon, putting our submarine forces on scene, unseen."
“I use sound and trigonometry to determine outside contact ships for range, course and speed,” Bowden said. “I also do a lot of computer networking and maintaining computer systems.”
Bowden credits continued success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Apple Valley.
“I learned my work ethic from my brother. Work when there is work, play when there is no work. If you want to play then there is no work,” Bowden said.
Guided-missile submarines (SSGNs) provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform, according to Jablon. Armed with tactical missiles and equipped with superior communications capabilities, SSGNs are capable of directly supporting combatant commander's strike and Special Operations Forces (SOF) requirements. The Navy's four guided-missile submarines, each displace 18,750 tons submerged. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.
Bowden is part of the boat's blue crew, one of the two rotating crews, which allow the boat to be deployed on missions more often without taxing one crew too much. A typical crew on this submarine is approximately 150 officers and enlisted sailors.
The first submarine was invented by Yale graduate, David Bushnell, in 1775 and provided the colonists with a secret weapon in the form of a one-man wooden craft in an experimental submarine that was nicknamed the Turtle.
Although Bushnell’s efforts were unsuccessful in attempts to blow up British vessels during the American Revolution George Washington said of the Turtle, “I then thought, and still think, that it was an effort of genius.”
U.S. submarines may not be what some have imagined. Measuring 560 feet long, 42-feet wide and weighing more than 16,500 tons, a nuclear-powered propulsion system helps push the ship through the water at more than 20 knots (23 mph).
Because of the demanding environment aboard submarines, personnel are accepted only after rigorous testing, according to Navy officials. 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.
“What I like about this command is that I get a lot of time off and it’s nice to turn over to another crew and be with my family,” Bowden said.
Serving in the Navy means Bowden is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, 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.
“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.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Bowden is most proud of his command advancement to second class petty officer.
“I spent almost four years without taking leave and I was awarded command advancement,” Bowden said.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Bowden 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 means that I have a right to vote,” Bowden said. “My personal opinion is if you don’t vote then you do not have a right to say anything about what our government does.”