SAN DIEGO – An Orlando, Florida, native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Annapolis, one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
Petty Officer 2nd Class Chris Day, a 2008 Dr. Phillips High School graduate, joined the Navy three years ago.
Today, Day serves the U.S. Navy’s Silent Service based out of Naval Base Point Loma, located in San Diego, California.
“I joined the Navy because I found out I was almost getting too old to serve and it came down to a now or never kind of thing,” said Day. "So, I decided to go through with it."
According to Day, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Orlando.
“My grandfather used to say 'be careful of the toes you step on today, they may be attached to the hands you shake tomorrow',” said Day. "That basically meant, be kind to everyone. I've definitely used that while in the Navy."
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, Day 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.
“That Navy contributes to national security because the waterfront is a huge element to our national defense,” said Day. "We are the designated protectors of that waterfront. Our job is to keep threats away from the homeland via the water."
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, Day 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.
“When I think of what it means to serve in the Navy, this phrase comes to mind: 'Those that avoid conflict have the benefit of having others to do it on their behalf',” added Day. "In other words, 'if not me, who?' As part of the military, I've made a choice to protect our country so my loved ones don’t have to. I'm very proud of that."