SANTA RITA, Guam – A 2006 Silsbee High School graduate and Silsbee, Texas, native is serving with the U.S. Navy aboard one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines, USS Topeka.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Heidi Cheek |
Lt. Aaron Smith is a submariner aboard the Guam-based submarine, one of four Los Angeles-class submarines forward-deployed on the island.
A Navy submariner is responsible for all weapons and weapons deployment systems.
Smith credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Silsbee.
“My dad was in the Army, so we moved around a lot," Smith said. "I learned to adapt and change as needed, which is very helpful serving in the Navy.”
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.
“As the only forward deployed submarine squadron, we are the quick reaction force for the Navy. We can respond quickly to any crisis,” said Capt. Tim Poe, Commodore, Submarine Squadron 15. “It's spectacular the work our Sailors do. We ask a lot of them and they always meet the challenge.”
According to Navy officials, 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.
“I am looking forward to being deployed in this sub," Smith said. "It's a high operational tempo and we get to do what the Navy needs us to do on a moment’s notice.”
According to officials at the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet headquarters in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the ships, submarines, aircraft and Navy personnel forward-deployed to Guam are part of the world’s largest fleet command and serve in a region critical to U.S. national security. The U.S. Pacific Fleet encompasses 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. All told, there are more than 200 ships and submarines, nearly 1,200 aircraft, and more than 130,000 uniformed and civilian personnel serving in the Pacific.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Smith is most proud of being a plank owner with the commissioning of USS Colorado.
“To take a major role in preparing the submarine and training the crew was a big accomplishment," Smith said. "You go from not being operational and going through all the processes to get the boat operational. It's really rewarding. I was responsible for training the crew. And getting the seal of approval from the U.S. government is something to be proud of.”
Serving in the Navy means Smith 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.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Smith 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.
“It's an honor to get to serve your country with such great people," Smith said. "There is always a challenge and you're always testing yourself, so there is always room to keep progressing and growing.”
A Navy submariner is responsible for all weapons and weapons deployment systems.
Smith credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Silsbee.
“My dad was in the Army, so we moved around a lot," Smith said. "I learned to adapt and change as needed, which is very helpful serving in the Navy.”
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.
“As the only forward deployed submarine squadron, we are the quick reaction force for the Navy. We can respond quickly to any crisis,” said Capt. Tim Poe, Commodore, Submarine Squadron 15. “It's spectacular the work our Sailors do. We ask a lot of them and they always meet the challenge.”
According to Navy officials, 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.
“I am looking forward to being deployed in this sub," Smith said. "It's a high operational tempo and we get to do what the Navy needs us to do on a moment’s notice.”
According to officials at the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet headquarters in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the ships, submarines, aircraft and Navy personnel forward-deployed to Guam are part of the world’s largest fleet command and serve in a region critical to U.S. national security. The U.S. Pacific Fleet encompasses 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. All told, there are more than 200 ships and submarines, nearly 1,200 aircraft, and more than 130,000 uniformed and civilian personnel serving in the Pacific.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Smith is most proud of being a plank owner with the commissioning of USS Colorado.
“To take a major role in preparing the submarine and training the crew was a big accomplishment," Smith said. "You go from not being operational and going through all the processes to get the boat operational. It's really rewarding. I was responsible for training the crew. And getting the seal of approval from the U.S. government is something to be proud of.”
Serving in the Navy means Smith 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.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Smith 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.
“It's an honor to get to serve your country with such great people," Smith said. "There is always a challenge and you're always testing yourself, so there is always room to keep progressing and growing.”