GROTON, Conn. - Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Palmer, a native of Bloomington, Illinois, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Submarine Readiness Squadron (SRS) 32 at Naval Submarine Base New London.
As a submariner, Palmer is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who serve under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Palmer graduated from Higley High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bloomington.
“I learned to treat all sailors with empathy and respect,” Palmer said. “The more human you are, the more they fight for you."
Palmer joined the Navy eight and a half years ago. Today, Palmer serves as a sonar technician (submarine).
“My great-grandfather served in the Navy during World War II and was an influence on me joining the Navy,” Palmer said.
SRS 32 centralizes administrative and support functions, economizes resources and provides a common pool of experts who provide complete functional support to operational submarines homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London, pre-commissioning unit crews at Electric Boat shipbuilding facility and maintenance period units at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security. A major component of that maritime security is homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut, known as the “Submarine Capital of the World.”
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines, ballistic-missile submarines and guided-missile submarines.
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 fast-attack submarine 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. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines 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 guided-missile submarine is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Palmer is part of the rich 125-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Palmer has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishments are the fast advancements, my stellar service record and being in the top 3% of my rate,” Palmer said. “It says a lot about my accomplishments and drive to excellence.”
Palmer serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means doing the right thing for others and ensuring they are given the respect they are entitled to as a human being,” Palmer said. “It’s ensuring all people, foreign and domestic, are enabled equal representation under law and protecting their freedom of health, identity and expression.”
Palmer is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Senior Chief Sonar Technician (Submarine) Fleegle, Jenifer and James Hartsock, Will, Teresa and Gabe Szczepaniak, for all their guidance and support,” Palmer added.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
As a submariner, Palmer is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who serve under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Palmer graduated from Higley High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bloomington.
“I learned to treat all sailors with empathy and respect,” Palmer said. “The more human you are, the more they fight for you."
Palmer joined the Navy eight and a half years ago. Today, Palmer serves as a sonar technician (submarine).
“My great-grandfather served in the Navy during World War II and was an influence on me joining the Navy,” Palmer said.
SRS 32 centralizes administrative and support functions, economizes resources and provides a common pool of experts who provide complete functional support to operational submarines homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London, pre-commissioning unit crews at Electric Boat shipbuilding facility and maintenance period units at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security. A major component of that maritime security is homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut, known as the “Submarine Capital of the World.”
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines, ballistic-missile submarines and guided-missile submarines.
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 fast-attack submarine 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. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines 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 guided-missile submarine is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Palmer is part of the rich 125-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Palmer has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishments are the fast advancements, my stellar service record and being in the top 3% of my rate,” Palmer said. “It says a lot about my accomplishments and drive to excellence.”
Palmer serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means doing the right thing for others and ensuring they are given the respect they are entitled to as a human being,” Palmer said. “It’s ensuring all people, foreign and domestic, are enabled equal representation under law and protecting their freedom of health, identity and expression.”
Palmer is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Senior Chief Sonar Technician (Submarine) Fleegle, Jenifer and James Hartsock, Will, Teresa and Gabe Szczepaniak, for all their guidance and support,” Palmer added.