By Stephanie Fox, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – An Indianapolis, Indiana, native is serving in the U.S. Navy assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 11 based out of Naval Base Point Loma, located in San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
Petty Officer 1st Class Thomas “Tommy” Gooley, a 2008 Lawrence North High School graduate, joined the Navy six years ago.
“I joined the Navy after college,” said Gooley. "I was working a logistics job in Chicago and I realized I didn't enjoy it. My grandfather was in the Navy and he's probably the most successful person I know. He attributed his success to his time in the Navy, so I wanted to follow in his footsteps.”
According to Gooley the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Indianapolis.
“Indiana folk are known for being nice,” said Gooley. "We're very friendly and can make friends anywhere. Growing up in that environment has helped me be able to get along with everyone I serve with."
Known as America’s “Silent Service,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).
Fast-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; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare.
The Navy's ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as "boomers," serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles.
Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.
As a member of the submarine force, Gooley is part of a rich 120-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.
“The Navy plays a huge role in protecting our freedoms just by our show of force at sea,” said Gooley. "For a long time now, we've had the world's largest Navy. I think a big part of our success has been our presence in the sea. Without the Navy our borders would be more vulnerable."
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through underwater fiber optic, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
“What our undersea forces accomplish every day is vitally important to our nation’s defense,” said Vice Adm. Daryl Caudle, Commander, Submarine Forces. “Our Submarine Force is a critical part of worldwide maritime security, humanitarian assistance operations, and the nation’s advanced nuclear triad. Every day, our submariners are at the tip of the spear, forward deployed and ready - from the depths, we strike!”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Gooley is gaining unparalleled leadership development experience and technical knowledge, while directly contributing to the Navy’s efforts to protect the homeland and ensure global stability.
“To me, serving in the Navy means I get to represent my country to the best of my ability while making my friends and family proud,” added Gooley.