GROTON, Conn. - A Cross Plains, Wisconsin, native is in training to be a part of a 123-year tradition of service under the sea.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Submariners play a critical role in carrying out one of the Defense Department’s most important missions: strategic deterrence. As a student at Navy Submarine School, Seaman Recruit Jackson Krieger is learning what is needed to operate aboard submarines so they can successfully complete missions around the world.
“I joined because my father was in the Navy,” said Krieger. “He shared his stories and it sounded new and exciting so I joined, too.”
Growing up in Cross Plains, Krieger attended Middleton High School and graduated in 2020.
Skills and values similar to those found in Cross Plains are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I learned in Cross Plains to wake up early and show up ready to work,” said Krieger. “I do those things every day 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."
Serving in the Navy means Krieger is part of a team 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 is important to national defense because we guard the seas around the world,” said Krieger. “We protect the waters and deter enemies.”
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.
Krieger and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am proud of graduating from Basic Enlisted Submarine School,” said Krieger. “It felt good to get that certificate.”
As Krieger and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Being in the Navy means that I get to protect and serve the best country ever,” said Krieger.
Krieger is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am so grateful for my dad,” added Krieger. “He's been supportive my whole life and he's so proud of me.”