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 3rd Class Hunter Wells, a native of Bay City, Michigan, 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 |
Wells joined the Navy two years ago and today serves aboard USS Indiana.
“I wanted to find a stepping stone to a new direction for my life,” said Wells. “I had a lot of opportunities before I joined, but I wanted to put my foot forward in another direction to do something different, so I joined the Navy.”
Wells attended John Glenn High School and graduated in 2021.
Skills and values similar to those found in Bay City are important to succeed in the military.
“People will disappoint you, so as long as you know that you'll never be disappointed,” said Wells. “This mindset has helped me not to stress when things don't go exactly right.”
“The Navy is good for economic trade, foreign relations and freedom of the seas,” said Wells. “What we're doing and what other navies are doing, is trying to keep the seas free.”
“People will disappoint you, so as long as you know that you'll never be disappointed,” said Wells. “This mindset has helped me not to stress when things don't go exactly right.”
These lessons have helped Lang 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, Lang 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.
“The Navy is good for economic trade, foreign relations and freedom of the seas,” said Wells. “What we're doing and what other navies are doing, is trying to keep the seas free.”
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 Wells and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving is a tradition,” said Wells. “My great-uncle was a Merchant Marine during World War II and my uncle was a Seabee. In my honest opinion, it's a stepping stone to something better.”
Wells is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am grateful for so many people,” added Wells. “Frederick Proctor, he was my lead petty officer for a while, helped me push through and keep the administrative machine going. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have so many funny jokes.”