GROTON, Conn. - Fireman Zander Williams, a native of Crestview, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Virginia, homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London.
As a submariner, Williams is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who serve under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Williams graduated from Laurel Hill High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Crestview.
“Growing up, I learned to have a good work ethic and not to let people hold you back from doing what you love,” Williams said. “Having a good work ethic will help you anywhere, but it really helps in my job because all we do is work. People like it when you have a good work ethic. I only realized that when I got to the boat and got my submarine warfare pin.”
Williams joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Williams serves as a machinist’s mate (non-nuclear, submarine auxiliary) aboard Virginia, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to find more opportunities outside of Crestview,” Williams said. “If I didn’t join the Navy, I’d be doing construction or something else, making minimum wage. I just like being a submarine mechanic. It’s pretty cool and I enjoy it.”
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, Williams 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.
Williams has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of getting my ‘dolphins,’ my submarine warfare device,” Williams said. “The dolphins were the first warfare device in the Navy. I’m really proud of getting them. It’s the first brotherhood I’ve ever been part of. There’s a lot of pride that comes with being a submariner. I put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into getting these dolphins.”
Williams 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 doesn’t mean a lot to me, but I care about being a submariner,” Williams said. “Being a submariner means a lot to me, and this submarine means a lot to me. I have a great command here, a great captain, great leadership and the best division.”
Williams is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Christy Hagler, my dad, John Davis, and my granddaddy, Bill Johnson,” Williams added. “They’re the ones who really pushed me to join the Navy. My dad served in the Marines, and I have a lot of other family members who served. I also want to thank my chief, my leading petty officer and the whole A-Gang for helping me in my qualifications since I’ve gotten to the boat and my career. They’re good leaders.”