GROTON, Conn. - Senior Chief Petty Officer Zachary Feinberg, a native of Maple Valley, Washington, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Hyman G. Rickover, homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London.
As a submariner, Feinberg is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who serve under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Feinberg graduated from Tahoma Senior High School in 2009 and from Southern New Hampshire University in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in business management.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Maple Valley.
“Growing up, I learned early to be self-motivated and proactive,” Feinberg said. “This has been a cornerstone for my career, and these traits have given me the ability to lead sailors as a servant leader.”
Feinberg joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Feinberg serves as a machinist’s mate (non-nuclear, submarine auxiliary) aboard USS Hyman G. Rickover, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine.
“I am a first-generation sailor within my immediate family, and I joined to be a part of something greater than myself,” Feinberg said. “I also wanted the free college benefits that the Navy has to offer.”
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, Feinberg 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.
Feinberg has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of my sailors advancing and developing themselves both personally and professionally,” Feinberg said. “Investing time and effort at all levels of the chain of command attributed to this success.”
Feinberg 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 has made me who I am,” Feinberg said. “A leader, a loyal team member of the finest submarine force in the world, and a proud, loving husband and father.”
Feinberg is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I owe all my success to my wife, Kate Ballard, for her patience, compassion and endless support,” Feinberg added. “For all time, always. Thank you to all my mentors and supporters for allowing me to succeed and reinvest in our future sailors.”
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
As a submariner, Feinberg is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who serve under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Feinberg graduated from Tahoma Senior High School in 2009 and from Southern New Hampshire University in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in business management.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Maple Valley.
“Growing up, I learned early to be self-motivated and proactive,” Feinberg said. “This has been a cornerstone for my career, and these traits have given me the ability to lead sailors as a servant leader.”
Feinberg joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Feinberg serves as a machinist’s mate (non-nuclear, submarine auxiliary) aboard USS Hyman G. Rickover, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine.
“I am a first-generation sailor within my immediate family, and I joined to be a part of something greater than myself,” Feinberg said. “I also wanted the free college benefits that the Navy has to offer.”
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, Feinberg 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.
Feinberg has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of my sailors advancing and developing themselves both personally and professionally,” Feinberg said. “Investing time and effort at all levels of the chain of command attributed to this success.”
Feinberg 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 has made me who I am,” Feinberg said. “A leader, a loyal team member of the finest submarine force in the world, and a proud, loving husband and father.”
Feinberg is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I owe all my success to my wife, Kate Ballard, for her patience, compassion and endless support,” Feinberg added. “For all time, always. Thank you to all my mentors and supporters for allowing me to succeed and reinvest in our future sailors.”