Norfolk, Va. – A Bob Jones High School graduate and Madison, Ala. native is currently serving aboard a U.S. Navy Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine.
Andrew J. Hicks is an Electronics Technician (Nuclear) 2rd Class serving aboard USS New Hampshire (SSN 778).
As an Electronics Technician (Nuclear), Hicks performs duties in nuclear propulsion plants operating reactor control and maintaining onboard communication systems, which are essential for the day to day operations of the submarine.
“I joined the Navy to pay for college so I could further my education,” said Hicks.
As the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in the world, it can operate in both littoral and deep ocean environments and presents combatant commanders with a broad and unique range of operational capabilities.
“I support my boat’s mission in ensuring readiness of the communication equipment to support safe reactor plant operation,” said Hicks.
The submarine is 362 feet long and 32 feet wide and weighs nearly 7,800 tons, powered by a nuclear reactor to push the boat through water at speeds of more than 30 knots while submerged.
“My favorite part about what I do is operating the plant because it allows me to utilize knowledge of my job and work with others,” said Hicks.
As one of 134 crew members aboard the submarine, Hicks and other Sailors are building a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes. Crew members know how important it is for the Navy to develop new war fighting capabilities to continue their success on the world’s oceans.
“My proudest accomplishment is qualifying as a propulsion plant operator,” said Hicks.
New Hampshire is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, delivery of special operations forces, strike warfare, irregular warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and mine warfare.
As an Electronics Technician (Nuclear), Hicks performs duties in nuclear propulsion plants operating reactor control and maintaining onboard communication systems, which are essential for the day to day operations of the submarine.
“I joined the Navy to pay for college so I could further my education,” said Hicks.
As the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in the world, it can operate in both littoral and deep ocean environments and presents combatant commanders with a broad and unique range of operational capabilities.
“I support my boat’s mission in ensuring readiness of the communication equipment to support safe reactor plant operation,” said Hicks.
The submarine is 362 feet long and 32 feet wide and weighs nearly 7,800 tons, powered by a nuclear reactor to push the boat through water at speeds of more than 30 knots while submerged.
“My favorite part about what I do is operating the plant because it allows me to utilize knowledge of my job and work with others,” said Hicks.
As one of 134 crew members aboard the submarine, Hicks and other Sailors are building a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes. Crew members know how important it is for the Navy to develop new war fighting capabilities to continue their success on the world’s oceans.
“My proudest accomplishment is qualifying as a propulsion plant operator,” said Hicks.
New Hampshire is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, delivery of special operations forces, strike warfare, irregular warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and mine warfare.