GROTON, Conn. - Seaman Apprentice Gabriel Wilson, a native of Clinton, Tennessee, is training to be part of the U.S. Navy’s 125-year tradition of service under the sea.
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| Photo by Fire Control Technician Seaman Recruit Duncan Woodard, Naval Submarine School |
Wilson graduated from Anderson County High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Clinton.
“Growing up in Clinton taught me the value of a good work ethic,” Wilson said. “I worked a lot of hands-on jobs that required a lot of hard work. Those experiences are the foundation of who I am.”
Wilson joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Wilson is a student at Navy Submarine School, training to serve as a fire control technician in the submarine force.
“My father’s wish for me was for me to succeed in life,” Wilson said. “The Navy has opened doors and provided a pathway for the rest of my life. I plan to use the work experience and the opportunity to attend college to set up the rest of my life.”
Located aboard Naval Submarine Base New London, Naval Submarine School is where officers and enlisted sailors receive the basic knowledge needed to join operational submarine commands in the fleet. U.S. Navy sailors are training at the schoolhouse alongside members of the Royal Australian Navy who are part of the AUKUS Pillar 1 Optimal Pathway, a partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States aimed at helping Australia acquire a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
Once in the fleet, the foundation established at submarine school allows sailors to build competence and proficiency in operating and maintaining submarines and all their systems. The school also provides refresher and advanced training to members of the submarine force and those supporting submarine commands to increase proficiency in specific skills.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators,” the U.S. 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.
After completing their training, Wilson will serve aboard or in support of one of the Navy’s 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 submarines 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, Wilson 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.
Wilson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I have gone through a lot of family hardships this year and persevered,” Wilson said. “This has been the toughest year of my life, and I have overcome and pushed through.”
Wilson 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 everything to me,” Wilson said. “I am able to build my career and life from a solid foundation based on hard work and resources the Navy provides.”
Wilson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, Mary, and my aunt and uncle, Maria and Chad, for their support,” Wilson added. “I wouldn't be where I am without them. When I needed extra support or someone to talk to, they were always there for me.”