Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Snohomish native defends America from under the sea

By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach 

GROTON, Conn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Timothy Justice, a native of Snohomish, Washington, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Hyman G. Rickover, homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London.
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green,
Navy Office of Community Outreach


As a submariner, Justice is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who serve under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.

Justice graduated from Snohomish High School in 2020.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Snohomish.

“Growing up in a small town like Snohomish taught me that communities can change lives,” Justice said. “I strive to make connections with everyone I meet. It’s a win-win, 100%, all the time.”

Justice joined the Navy three and a half years ago. Today, Justice serves as a machinist’s mate (nuclear) aboard USS Hyman G. Rickover, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine.

“I always wanted to help others growing up,” Justice said. “I had always thought about joining, and after talking with my recruiter, I knew the Navy was for me. I encourage anyone thinking about joining the Navy to reach out to a recruiter or talk to someone you know who is or has served. Serving is a life-changing experience, and I couldn’t recommend it enough.”

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, Justice 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.

Justice has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“Being qualified in submarines is my proudest accomplishment,” Justice said. “I was the 100th enlisted sailor to earn my ‘fish,’ or submarine warfare device, aboard USS Hyman G. Rickover. It took a lot of learning and hard work, and I’m proud to wear my silver dolphins. Submarining is reserved for the best and the brightest.”

Justice 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 taught me that I am capable of so much more than I had ever thought,” Justice said. “Hard work, perseverance and dedication can get you anywhere.”

Justice is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my mother, father and brother for their constant support,” Justice added. “I also want to thank my best friend, Kadyn. I wouldn't be the person I am today without them.”