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 2nd Class Simon Hartford, a native of Liberty Center, Ohio, 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 |
Hartford joined the Navy four years ago and today serves as an electronics technician- nuclear aboard USS Indiana.
“I joined the Navy because I always wanted to serve in the military,” said Hartford. “I think the Navy has the coolest equipment, especially nuclear-powered submarines.”
Hartford attended Liberty Center High Schoo and graduated in 2016.
Skills and values similar to those found in Liberty Center are important to succeed in the military.
“I learned a sense of community and working as a team from my small-town upbringing,” said Hartford. “I try to carry that with me into my work aboard the USS Indiana.”
These lessons have helped Hartford 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, Hartford 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.
“I believe that protecting the nation's shipping and material assets are very important to our national defense strategy,” said Hartford. “Without a well-supplied military, we can't execute our mission.”
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.
As Hartford and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“It gives me a sense of pride to be doing something to defend the nation and my family at home,” added Hartford. “It makes me feel accomplished and like I'm doing something good with my life.”
Hartford is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I am grateful to my wife for being my biggest supporter and my parents for raising me the way that I am,” added Hartford. “I’m also grateful to Chief Kamron Hubbard and Chief Zach Moore for being my mentors. Without them, I don't think I'd be as competent as a technician.”