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. Lt. William Gomperts, a native of Cary, North Carolina, 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 |
Gomperts joined the Navy five years ago and today serves aboard USS Indiana.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to follow in my family's footsteps while having the opportunity to serve my country,” said Gomperts. “My dad, my uncle and both my grandfathers were in the military.”
Growing up in Cary, Gomperts attended Cary Christian School and graduated in 2014. Additionally, Gomperts graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2018.
Skills and values similar to those found in Cary are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“When I was in high school, my coaches and teachers instilled in me the importance of hard work,” said Gomperts. “Working hard always helps no matter where you are or what job you have.”
These lessons have helped Gomperts 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, Gomperts 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.
“Submarines are important to national defense because our adversaries know we are out there, but they don’t know where,” said Gomperts. “Our stealth prevents them from taking action against us. Also, our ability to go undetected and have ships around the world helps keeps the seas free.”
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.
Gomperts and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is earning my Submarine Warfare Device or ‘dolphins’ and going on deployment missions,” said Gomperts. “I am proud of earning my dolphins because it takes a lot of work. It means that I am someone who can handle stressful situations and take care of the crew if something were to go wrong.”
As Gomperts 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 means going to sea, being away from family and not having access to common luxuries so that the rest of the country can continue their normal way of life,” said Gomperts. “Someone has to make sacrifices so that the country can stay free.”
Gomperts is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Christopher and Gina, for helping me grow up,” added Gomperts. “I also want to thank the friends I have grown with and the people who have influenced me in one way or another. I am very grateful for them.”