GROTON, Conn. - A Dover, Pennsylvania, native is training sailors to continue 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 an instructor at Navy Submarine School, Petty Officer 2nd Class Brittani Brammann is teaching sailors the skills needed to operate aboard submarines so they can successfully complete missions around the world.
“I joined the Navy because I was going to school and working two jobs at the time,” said Brammann. “I went to the recruiter's office and the Marines were at lunch however, the Navy recruiter was there. I decided to go Navy because the world is mostly water, and because I wanted to travel.”
Growing up in Dover, Brammann attended Dover Area High School and graduated in 2013.
Skills and values similar to those found in Dover are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I learned in my hometown that hard work pays off and that the right mindset can change any situation,” said Brammann. “Being on submarines is a tough lifestyle, however, I definitely think if you have the right mindset on things, that will make or break outcomes. Working hard allowed me to be promoted.”
These lessons have helped Brammann 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."
Serving in the Navy means Brammann 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.
“Being a part of the sub-community, the rest of the world always knows we are there,” said Brammann. “That is important to national defense because we are always there 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.
Brammann and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I haven't had my proudest accomplishment in the Navy yet,” said Brammann. “I have achieved amazing things like making history and being a part of the first group of females on submarines. I’ve also seen more of the world than most however, there are so many more opportunities to me that I don't think I’ve achieved my proudest accomplishment yet.”
As Brammann 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 that my family and friends can continue to have safe lives and freedoms to live the lives they choose,” said Brammann.
Brammann is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents for supporting me,” added Brammann.