GROTON, Conn. - Submariners make up only 10 percent of the U.S. Navy’s personnel, but they play a critical role in carrying out one of the Defense Department’s most important missions: strategic deterrence. Fireman Wesley May, a native of Canton, Ohio, is one of the sailors continuing a 123-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
May joined the Navy a year and a half ago and today serves as a fire control technician aboard USS Indiana.
“I joined the Navy because I got married, had a son and I wanted to give him more in life,” said May. “I wanted to give him more experiences than I had growing up.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Canton are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I learned in Ohio to appreciate opportunities,” said May. “Appreciating opportunities is important in the Navy because taking advantage of opportunities is the only way to further your career.”
These lessons have helped May while serving in the Navy.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators!,” 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 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 be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S. - replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.
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.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, May is part of a rich history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in defense of America and its allies.
“The Navy contributes to national defense by keeping our waters safe,” said May. “Americans may not realize it, but the reason we have not been attacked as a country is because the Navy is around the world 24/7 deterring adversaries.”
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
May and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is just making it here to the boat,” said May. “It took a year of school and a lot of dedication. It was blind determination when I first got here because I didn’t really know what I was getting into. Once I did though, I was opened up to the world the submarine community offers.”
As May and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy means having pride, honor and selflessness,” said May.
May is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Emily, for putting up with the Navy lifestyle,” added May. “She knows nothing about what we do here, but she has always had faith in it and is making sacrifices for me. I also want to thank Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Xavier Pizarro, for helping me adapt to the submarine life.”