GROTON, Conn. - Ensign James Zaller, a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, is training to be part of the U.S. Navy’s 125-year tradition of service under the sea.
 |
| Photo by Fire Control Technician Seaman Recruit Duncan Woodard, Naval Submarine School |
Zaller graduated from Floyd E. Kellam High School in 2012. Additionally, Zaller earned a bachelor’s degree in health and exercise science from Bridgewater College in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Virginia Beach.
“Playing college sports and working in physical therapy before the Navy helped me get comfortable with long days and putting others before yourself,” Zaller said. “It’s been less stressful in the Navy than it was in the civil sector.”
Zaller joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Zaller is a student at the Naval Submarine School, training to serve as a supply officer in the submarine force. Upon completion of the course, Zaller will serve aboard USS Springfield, a Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine.
“I joined the Navy because of my dad,” Zaller said. “He retired as a master chief with 30 years of service. Before I joined the Navy, I was a physical therapist’s assistant, and a lot of my patients were active-duty military. After working with them and hearing their stories, a lot of them recommended that I become an officer. They said I was someone they would have liked to have had as a leader.”
Located aboard Naval Submarine Base New London, Naval Submarine School is where officers and enlisted sailors receive the basic knowledge needed to join operational submarine commands in the fleet. U.S. Navy sailors are training at the schoolhouse alongside members of the Royal Australian Navy who are part of the AUKUS Pillar 1 Optimal Pathway, a partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States aimed at helping Australia acquire a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
Once in the fleet, the foundation established at submarine school 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.
After completing their training, Zaller will serve aboard or in support of one of the Navy’s 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, Zaller 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.
Zaller has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of being selected for submarines as my first tour, as well as getting selected for a fast-attack submarine out of Guam,” Zaller said. “That’s what I wanted the most, to see the world and go as far as I could.”
Zaller 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 being part of a team working toward one goal,” Zaller said.
Zaller is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, my dad, my sister, my Dunwoody friends, D-7, my Atlanta friends, Anna, and all of my previous patients for their encouragement and support,” Zaller added. “Shout out to Chili’s for that military discount.”