SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Cody Vorndran, whose family lives in Ashland, Kentucky, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Greeneville, a fast-attack submarine homeported at Naval Base Point Loma.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Caleb Kissner, Fleet Public Affairs Center San Diego |
As a submariner, Vorndran is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Ashland, where Vorndran’s father and grandparents live.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of working for what you have,” Vorndran said. “I grew up around blue-collar folks who worked hard to get by, and I greatly appreciate that. Having that background and mindset has gotten me further in advancing, with evaluations and awards and such.”
Vorndran joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Vorndran serves as a yeoman (submarine).
“I wanted to see new places and meet people from all backgrounds while gaining leadership and working experience,” Vorndran said. “I thought the Navy had the coolest uniforms at the time – the blue camouflage. I liked the idea of being on ships.”
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 support of U.S. national security.
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines, ballistic-missile submarines and guided-missile submarines.
Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines, like Greeneville, have been the backbone of the submarine force for the last 40 years, with approximately 23 in service. 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.
Equipped with 12 Vertical Launch System tubes for firing Tomahawk cruise missiles, Greeneville is only slightly longer than a football field at 360 feet long and 33 feet across at its widest point. Greeneville is crewed by more than 140 enlisted sailors and officers.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Vorndran serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
Vorndran has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Recently, my division earned the Commander, Submarine Squadron 11 Personnel ‘P,’ which recognizes the top performing yeoman division of the ships on the waterfront,” Vorndran said. “Winning that means everything to me. The younger version of me never saw me winning something like that, so I’m proud of that. Being recognized as the best ship’s office of the four boats down here is a big thing.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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.
“Serving for me means serving the country and supporting the people who make this country so great,” Vorndran said. “I also just enjoy representing our U.S. Navy.”
Vorndran is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my grandparents and my parents, who supported me heavily,” Vorndran said. “I also want to thank all of the previous leading yeomen I served with who shaped me into who I am today.”