GROTON, Conn. - Chief Petty Officer Darren Teague, a native of McAlester, Oklahoma, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Iowa, the Navy’s newest fast-attack submarine.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
As a submariner, Teague is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who serve under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Teague graduated from McAlester High School in 2008.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in McAlester.
“Growing up, family and a sense of community instilled the importance of teamwork,” Teague said. “The Navy strengthened that within me. Teamwork will get you through anything.”
Teague joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Teague serves as an information systems technician (communications).
A family history of military service played a role in Teague’s decision to join.
“My grandfather was an electrician second class, and my mom and dad met in Norfolk,” Teague said. “My mom was a hospital corpsman third class and my dad was a chief boatswain’s mate. I remember getting home from school on Sept. 11, 2001, and seeing my dad packing his seabag. I knew then I wanted to serve our country and keep it safe from all enemies. I served for four years with my dad; he retired four years after I joined.”
Commissioned in April, Iowa is the third Navy vessel and first submarine named for the Hawkeye State. Iowa was built at the General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard in Groton, a short distance from the submarine’s homeport at Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut.
The newest of the Navy’s Virginia-class submarines, Iowa was designed with stealth and surveillance capabilities, as well as special warfare enhancements, to meet the Navy’s multi-mission requirements. At 377 feet long and 34 feet across at its widest point, Iowa is only slightly longer than a football field and is crewed by about 135 enlisted sailors and officers.
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.
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.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Teague 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.
Teague has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Hearing the people I love tell me they’re proud of me is a gift I prize more than any single accomplishment,” Teague said.
Teague 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 gives me a chance to be a part of history and contribute to the legacy of the most powerful navy and most dominant military in history,” Teague said.
Teague is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank everyone who encouraged me to join, like my mom and dad,” Teague said. “I also want to thank my mentors, Command Master Chief Bruner, Command Master Chief Wietlisbach and Master Chief Electronics Technician (Nuclear) Hornsby. Above all others, I want to thank my wife, Arianna, and my sons, Ian and Ezra.”
Teague offered a special shout-out for McAlester High.
“Go Buffs!” Teague added. “POTAC!”