GROTON, Conn. - Petty Officer 1st Class Keith Warner, a native of New Iberia, Louisiana, is training sailors to continue the U.S. Navy’s 125-year tradition of service under the sea.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Warner graduated from Kendrick High School in 2007.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in New Iberia.
“I learned to be concerned for others when they’re going through problems,” Warner said. “Growing up in Louisiana, my grandfather taught me to be a gentleman, to be genuine and kind. He taught me about hard work. In the Navy, you have to watch out for your junior sailors; they can be OK one day and the next day they can be down or in the wrong mindset. We have to be aware of not only ourselves, but also our sailors.”
Warner joined the Navy nearly 17 years ago. Today, Warner serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (handling) and is an instructor at Naval Submarine School, training sailors to serve in the submarine force.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to travel the world and experience different cultures and food, while making a better life for me and my family,” Warner said. “I looked at the Army and spoke to my uncle, who had served in the Army. He encouraged me to serve in the Army, but my mom suggested I look at other branches. My friend was signed up for the Navy. I went with him to the recruiter, and next thing I know, I’ve signed on the dotted line.”
Located aboard Naval Submarine Base New London, Naval Submarine School is where officers and enlisted sailors learn the basic knowledge needed to join operational submarine commands in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets. Once in the fleet, this foundation 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.
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 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, Warner 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.
Warner has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of being meritoriously promoted to petty officer first class in front of the whole command,” Warner said. “I was the last name called. I didn’t know I was being meritoriously promoted.”
Warner serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Coming in, I wanted to explore the world, but once you get up into the years being in, you want to be a better leader and learn things about other cultures and have experiences,” Warner said. “The biggest thing for me was camaraderie and building bonds with others. Making those lifetime friendships is a big thing because, being away from family, they become your family away from your family. Making those bonds is a good thing.”
Warner is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’m grateful for my kids,” Warner added. “They understand the job, we still talk every day and they love and support me. My kids are my biggest motivation. I also want to thank my fiancée, Michelle, whom I’ve been with for three years. She’s still getting the feel of the Navy with me being away, but she’s had my back every step of the way.”