GROTON, Conn. - A Fall River, Massachusetts, 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 Apprentice Elexis Leary is learning what is needed to operate aboard submarines so they can successfully complete missions around the world.
“I joined the Navy because I realized there are so many opportunities it provides like schooling in trades that transfer into the civilian world,” said Leary.
Growing up in Fall River, Leary attended Plymouth South High School and graduated in 2022.
Skills and values similar to those found in Fall River are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“In the city I grew up in, I learned I needed to work harder to break out and do something different,” said Leary. “As a female submariner, I will need to work harder but I'm prepared for it.”
These lessons have helped Leary 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 Leary 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."
“I think the Navy goes hand in hand with the other branches to protect national defense,” said Leary. “We all have a purpose and the Navy's purpose is to protect the seas.”
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.
Leary and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am proud of being meritoriously promoted in boot camp,” said Leary. “I worked really hard and I thought it went unnoticed, but in the end, it didn't go unnoticed and my hard work paid off.”
As Leary 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 feels like a bigger responsibility than the average person has,” said Leary. “Sometimes I look at myself in the mirror and I think ‘wow, I really did it. I didn't just talk about it, I did it.’ It's an indescribable feeling.”
Leary is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am so grateful for my stepdad, my mom and my sister,” said Leary. “My stepdad served over 30 years in the Marines and he’s the main reason I'm in the military. He has so much pride in his country and so much pride in his service. My mom is my rock and she was a great role model in continuing to push for a better life. Lastly, I want to thank my sister because her letters got me through boot camp.”
Leary added a piece of advice for those who may be considering a career in the Navy.“If you’re thinking about joining, just do it,” added Leary. “Take that step and get out of your comfort zone because it's worth it.”