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. Petty Officer 3rd Class Colin Unema, a native of Holland, Michigan, 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, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Unema joined the Navy three years ago and today serves as an electrician's mate-nuclear aboard USS Indiana.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to see what life was like outside of Michigan, for the educational opportunities and because it just seemed fun,” said Unema.
Growing up in Holland, Unema attended Hamilton High School and graduated in 2020.
Skills and values similar to those found in Holland are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I learned in my hometown, that hard work will actually get you far,” said Unema. “If you show up and work hard, people will trust you and you will be able to do more.”
These lessons have helped Unema 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, Unema 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.
“The U.S. Navy s always there around the world deterring adversaries and maintaining freedom of the seas,” said Unema.
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.
Unema and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is being a part of the team that successfully powered a submarine from a destroyer,” said Unema. “That took a lot of hours of planning and hours of execution. It was cool to be able to say we were the first to do that. It opens a lot of ports for the submarine to go to because we don't need power from the ports now because we can get power from other Navy ships.”
As Unema 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 is an opportunity to work with a lot of great people,” said Unema. “The best part of the job is the people. I also get to do and see some cool things that I wouldn’t get to do if I wasn't in the Navy.”
Unema is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Electricians Mate-Nuculear 1st Class Payne for being a mentor for me, as an electrician and as a sailor,” added Unema.