GROTON, Conn. - Petty Officer 1st Class Barrett Long, a native of Summerville, South Carolina, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Hyman G. Rickover, homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London.
As a submariner, Long is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who serve under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Long graduated from Fort Dorchester High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Summerville.
“I learned the importance of a strong work ethic and how to work well with others,” Long said. “These traits are helping me succeed both professionally and personally.”
Long joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Long serves as an electronics technician (nuclear power) aboard USS Hyman G. Rickover, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine.
“I have family members who all served in the submarine force and I wanted to follow in their footsteps,” Long said. “My grandfather, Thomas D. Ryan, a rear admiral, and three uncles, Tom Ryan and Richard 'Buck' Wheat, both captains, and Tim Ryan, a lieutenant.”
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, Long 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.
Long has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was being named Junior Sailor of the Year for 2024 while serving aboard USS Hyman G. Rickover, for running as the leading petty officer and for being recognized as the acting chief of my division,” Long said. “These positions allowed me to thrive as a leader.”
Long 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 having the opportunity to learn and gain from important and unique experiences,” Long said.
Long is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Larry and Jennifer Long, and my siblings, Rebecca and Nicholas, for providing me with the support I needed,” Long added.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
As a submariner, Long is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who serve under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Long graduated from Fort Dorchester High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Summerville.
“I learned the importance of a strong work ethic and how to work well with others,” Long said. “These traits are helping me succeed both professionally and personally.”
Long joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Long serves as an electronics technician (nuclear power) aboard USS Hyman G. Rickover, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine.
“I have family members who all served in the submarine force and I wanted to follow in their footsteps,” Long said. “My grandfather, Thomas D. Ryan, a rear admiral, and three uncles, Tom Ryan and Richard 'Buck' Wheat, both captains, and Tim Ryan, a lieutenant.”
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, Long 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.
Long has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was being named Junior Sailor of the Year for 2024 while serving aboard USS Hyman G. Rickover, for running as the leading petty officer and for being recognized as the acting chief of my division,” Long said. “These positions allowed me to thrive as a leader.”
Long 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 having the opportunity to learn and gain from important and unique experiences,” Long said.
Long is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Larry and Jennifer Long, and my siblings, Rebecca and Nicholas, for providing me with the support I needed,” Long added.