GROTON, Conn. - A Kingsland, Georgia, 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 |
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 Todd Lewis is teaching sailors the skills needed to operate aboard submarines so they can successfully complete missions around the world.
“I joined the Navy for the benefits, job security and to provide better opportunities for my two sons,” said Lewis.
Growing up in Kingsland, Lewis attended Camden County High School and graduated in 2006.
Skills and values similar to those found in Kingsland are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I learned in my hometown the importance of community involvement and support systems,” said Lewis. “Whenever I am gone, sometimes 300 days a year, my wife has a support group and my kids have friends. As long as I know they are taken care of, I know I can do my job.”
These lessons have helped Lewis 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 Lewis 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 contributes to national security through strategic nuclear deterrence,” said Lewis. “Strategic deterrence helps us keep our dominance of the seas and maintain open shipping lanes.”
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.
Lewis and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of starting-up programs, training and qualifications for USS Vermont,” said Lewis. “I am proud of that because it took a lot of training between different departments. That allowed me to be a part of the development of the USS Vermont and its crew. I would go back to that boat multiple times. It is a fantastic culture.”
As Lewis 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 I get to be a part of the personal and professional development of sailors,” said Lewis. “I want to help them succeed.”
Lewis is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Heather Lewis, for taking care of the kids and being my emotional support because I couldn’t do this without her,” added Lewis. “She is someone to talk to during hard times. I also want to thank my dad, Robert, for his advice and wisdom.”