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 William Seaman, a native of Newcastle, Maine, 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 |
Seaman joined the Navy four and a half years ago and today serves aboard USS Indiana.
“I joined the Navy because I really wanted to explore and broaden my horizons,” said Seaman. “I wanted more work experience and more experience traveling.”
Seman attended Lincoln Academy and graduated in 2015.
Skills and values similar to those found in Newcastle are important to succeed in the military.
“I grew up in a small town and knew most people in the town,” said Seaman. “ It really gave me a sense of the importance of a close-knit community. Having that background helps me integrate with the team, especially on the submarine where everyone has to work together.”
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."
“We have ports all over the world and it allows us to have a worldwide presence,” said Seaman. “The Navy is constantly on or close to the front lines. We can reach out to anywhere in the world at a moment's notice.”
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 Seaman and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“There is a sense of pride in being involved in an organization with a purpose,” said Seaman. “Serving not only the shipmates around you but being part of a group that makes the submarine and the Navy work.”
Seaman is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'm grateful and inspired by my parents,” added Seaman. “They are both hardworking people.”
As Seaman and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“There is a sense of pride in being involved in an organization with a purpose,” said Seaman. “Serving not only the shipmates around you but being part of a group that makes the submarine and the Navy work.”
Seaman is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'm grateful and inspired by my parents,” added Seaman. “They are both hardworking people.”