GROTON, Conn. - A Hawley, 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, Chief Petty Officer Jessica Barnes is teaching sailors the skills needed to operate aboard submarines so they can successfully complete missions around the world.
“After spending a year in college, I realized it wasn’t for me,” said Barnes. “I joined the Navy because I wanted a change of scenery and I wanted to be a part of something that meant more than what I was doing. I couldn't picture myself joining any other branch.”
Growing up in Hawley, Barnes attended Lake Wallenpaupack Area High School and graduated in 2012.
Skills and values similar to those found in Hawley are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I grew up in a small town where I worked for my dad in construction,” said Barnes. “I also grew up being outdoors and doing dangerous things. That upbringing shaped me into who I am and helped me stay driven throughout my career.”
These lessons have helped Barnes 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 Barnes 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 actively defends our interests and freedom through continuous training,” said Barnes. “Furthermore, the submarine force is a huge component of nuclear deterrence and will only continue to grow stronger.”
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.
Barnes and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am proud of not only being one of the first enlisted women in submarines, but I was also the first woman submariner to graduate Navy Dive School in Panama City, Florida,” said Barnes. “Dive school was the most physically and mentally challenging thing I have done.”
As Barnes and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“The Navy has given me everything I have, including my success,” said Barnes. “I can't say I would be as successful if I didn’t join the Navy. Serving in the Navy gives myself, my family and our citizens the comfort of knowing this country is in good hands.”
Barnes is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“Every person in my life has somehow given me the ability to keep pushing forward, whether it was my family, myfiancé or the mentors I had while I was joining the Navy,” added Barnes. “I'm also grateful for those first initial people I met in the Navy that imprinted on me to keep striving for the next best thing.”