GROTON, Conn. - Chief Petty Officer Justin Reichard, a native of Derry, New Hampshire, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Virginia, homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
As a submariner, Reichard is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who serve under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Reichard graduated from Pinkerton Academy in 2004.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Derry.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of humility,” Reichard said. “It was a very large high school, and I learned how to deal with people. In the Navy, you’re dealing with people from all walks of life. Being around so many people in high school teaches you how to navigate that properly.”
Reichard joined the Navy 20 years ago. Today, Reichard serves as a fire control technician aboard USS Virginia, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine.
“I’ve known I was going into the military since middle school,” Reichard said. “I was in Junior ROTC all through high school. My JROTC instructor, who was a chief master sergeant, asked me what I wanted to do. I wanted to do something electrical. He said I should look into either the Air Force or the Navy. I went with the Navy because the Air Force recruiting office was closed when I went in.”
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, Reichard 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.
Reichard has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of becoming a chief petty officer,” Reichard said. “That was a big step. I made it late in my career, but I still made it.”
Reichard serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I’m proud to be serving in the Navy, especially for how long I’ve been doing it,” Reichard said. “It’s given me a lot of tools for when I eventually get out into the civilian world.”
Reichard is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents for their support throughout my whole career,” Reichard added. “I also want to thank my wife for supporting the home front while I’m gone.”