GROTON, Conn. - A Lawrence, Kansas, 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 |
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 Samuel Skwarklo is learning the skills needed to operate aboard submarines so they can successfully complete missions around the world.
“The SEAL program originally inspired me to join the Navy,” said Skwarklo.
Growing up in Lawrence, Skwarklo attended Lawrence Freesate High School and graduated in 2016. Additionally, Skwarklo graduated from Baylor University in 2022.
Skills and values similar to those found in Lawrence are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I have applied a never quit and outwork mentality from my hometown to my Navy career,” said Skwarklo. "Everything you do is progress because you never know how close you are to being able to succeed at something. If you try to outwork everyone, you will succeed eventually."
These lessons have helped Skwarklo 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 Skwarklo 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 defense by policing the world,” said Skwarklo. "We are everywhere and presence alone is enough to prevent enemy countries from starting conflicts."
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.
Skwarklo and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of completing the first phase of Navy SEAL training,” said Skwarklo. “I am proud of that because a very large portion of the Navy could not complete it.”
As Skwarklo and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“It makes me proud that I can protect and serve my country in some sort of capacity, no matter how big or small,” said Skwarklo.
Skwarklo is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my instructor Seal Operator 1st Class Willis for teaching me attention to detail.,” added Skwarklo.