GROTON, Conn. - A Lamesa, Texas, 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 Sub School, Petty Officer 2nd Class Wesley Payton 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 educational opportunities to finish school,” said Payton. “I also wanted to be a part of something great for our country.”
Growing up in Lamesa, Payton attended Lamesa High School and graduated in 2012.
Skills and values similar to those found in Lamesa are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I learned from playing sports to work hard, the importance of teamwork and to always better myself,” said Payton. “Those are values instilled in me by my coaches. I come from a very county town and sports are very big there. I learned all those lessons through that.”
These lessons have helped Payton 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 Payton 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 protects our nation from all threats foreign and domestic,” said Payton. “We have all assets to protect the country at sea, in the air and on land.”
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.
Payton and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Earning my 'dolphins' or submarine warfare device is my proudest accomplishment in the Navy,” said Payton. “I am proud of that because I worked hard for an entire year to earn them. It was definitely the hardest thing I have ever done.”
As Payton 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 something that makes me proud,” said Payton. “It has shaped me into the person that I am.”
Payton is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family for their support,” added Payton. “Throughout my career, my family has been my best support because they are consistent and they are always there if I need to talk to them.”