SAN DIEGO - A Flint, Michigan, native is serving aboard Commander Submarine Squadron 11, one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sang Kim, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Chief Petty Officer Brian Tolbert Jr., a 2003 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta, Georgia, joined the Navy 19 years ago.
“I was inspired to join the Navy because I wanted to take care of my family, add stability to my life and to set an example,” said Tolbert.
Today, Tolbert serves as a torpedoman.
A torpedoman is responsible for operating and maintaining missile and torpedo systems and managing small arms on a ship.
Tolbert relies upon skills and values from lessons learned in Flint to succeed in the military.
“My hometown taught me that where you come from does not restrict you in the success that you can achieve,” said Tolbert.
Known as America’s “apex predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically-advanced vessels. These submarines can conduct rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, to further 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 hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships, according to Navy officials. They also strike targets ashore with cruise missiles, carry and deliver Navy SEALs, engage in mine warfare and conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
The Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet combatant commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.
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.
The Columbia-class SSBN will replace the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s. It will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the United States.
Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform.
Each SSGN can carry 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.
Strategic deterrence is the Nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Tolbert is part of a rich 122-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy to defend America and its allies.
Serving in the Navy means Tolbert is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy contributes to national defense because of our strategic deterrence,” said Tolbert.
More than 90 percent of all trade travels by sea, and fiber optic cables on the ocean floor carry 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic.
Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to ready sailors and a strong Navy.
“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations.
“The U.S. Navy – forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power – deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”
Sailors like Tolbert, have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of being a father and having my kids, as well watching my sailors grow and develop and helping them to advance,” said Tolbert.
As Tolbert and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy is a point of pride," said Tolbert. "It gives me a sense of accomplishment and a sense of purpose. It lets me set an example and show my family you can be whatever you want to be.”