GROTON, Conn. - Seaman Alexander Nicholas, a native of Phoenix, Arizona, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Submarine Readiness Squadron (SRS) 32 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, Nicholas is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who serve under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Nicholas graduated from Thunderbird High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Phoenix.
“I learned the importance of communication, resiliency and professionalism in Navy Junior ROTC in high school,” Nicholas said. “Some of the lessons I learned from friends and family are things like sometimes you have to ask for help when you need help. It’s not always a one-man show. On board a boat, there’s not one person who can pilot a boat by themselves. You’ve got to learn how to say things respectfully so you don’t get burned on the back end.”
Nicholas joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Nicholas serves as a fire control technician.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to serve on board the USS Arizona,” Nicholas said. “I love my state, and I’d love to be on her commissioning crew. I wanted to continue my family’s heritage of serving. My dad’s side of the family has been in the United States since the 1600s and has fought in every conflict except for Desert Storm. I tried to go to college a few years ago at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, but online classes didn’t work for me. I got out and decided to join the Navy. My grandmother said ‘I always knew you were going to join sometime.’”
SRS 32 centralizes administrative and support functions, economizes resources and provides a common pool of experts who provide complete functional support to operational submarines homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London, pre-commissioning unit crews at Electric Boat shipbuilding facility and maintenance period units at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.
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, Nicholas 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.
Nicholas has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I was recognized after I called in a fire on base,” Nicholas said. “I was standing watch with a sailor from USS Virginia when I saw smoke and an orange glow through the trees on the upper base. I grabbed the radio to let the squadron know. I’d forgotten about it, but a week or two later, the base commanding officer and the commodore of Submarine Squadron 12 came down and gave us handshakes and a pat on the back for a good job.
“I’m also proud of being recognized as ‘the guy’ for intel and weapons on my old boat.”
Nicholas 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 is a great way for me to prove myself as well as protect my country,” Nicholas said. “It’s challenging and worthwhile as a way to improve myself.”
Nicholas is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family, as they’ve always cheered me on and supported me,” Nicholas added. “I also want to thank my division on he boat who wanted to see me succeed. I’ve had a few hiccups in my career, but I’ve always had people support me, like my family, friends, and shipmates, and help me persevere. The job is tough and rewarding. You will have hiccups and mistakes, but it’s how you handle yourself after and keep persevering that matters.”