GROTON, Conn. - Petty Officer 1st Class Stephen Zapolsky, a native of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, is training sailors to continue the U.S. Navy’s 125-year tradition of service under the sea.
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| Photo by Fire Control Technician Seaman Recruit Duncan Woodard, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Zapolsky graduated from Shenandoah Junior/Senior High School in 2013.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Shenandoah.
“Growing up, I learned anything can be achieved with hard work and a positive attitude,” Zapolsky said. “Having a positive attitude has helped me achieve the best experiences and get through difficult situations.”
Zapolsky joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, Zapolsky serves as a sonar technician (submarine) and is an instructor at Naval Submarine School, training sailors to serve in the submarine force.
“I joined the Navy to seek out new opportunities and get new experiences,” Zapolsky said. “I have family members in every branch except the Navy.”
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, Zapolsky 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.
Zapolsky has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“After years of hard work, I became the leading petty officer of the sonar division,” Zapolsky said. “It’s led me to grow as a leader and become someone who can mentor and guide those around me.”
Zapolsky 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 means I get to be part of something that has helped me grow into the person I am today,” Zapolsky said.
Zapolsky is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife and kids for supporting me all these years,” Zapolsky added.