GROTON, Conn. - A Salisbury, Maryland, 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, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
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, Petty Officer 1st Class Dylan Carew is teaching sailors the skills needed to operate aboard submarines so they can successfully complete missions around the world.
“I joined the Navy to give a small portion of my time for the sailors, soldiers and Marines who gave all,” said Carew.
Growing up in Salisbury, Carew attended Mardela High School and graduated in 2016.
Skills and values similar to those found in Salisbury are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I was raised in a household with dignity and respect, and have applied this lesson to many aspects of my Navy career,” said Carew.
These lessons have helped Carew 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 Carew 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 is our nation's sea power,” said Carew. "We fight and win our nation's wars. No power in the world has ever lasted without a powerful Navy."
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.
Carew and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“The day I became a leading petty officer is my proudest Navy accomplishment,” said Carew. “I am proud of that because I was a young second class and leadership trusted me to be in charge of an entire division, and the mission ordnance for our deployment. To become a leading petty officer, I had to exceed expectations.”
As Carew and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“As a sailor, I can carry the torch of Navy traditions and defend the freedoms I’ve been granted as a citizen of the United States,” said Carew.
Carew is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Senior Chief Darren Polston for setting me on the right path,” added Carew.