By U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth/Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR – A 2010 Hyde Park High School graduate and Chicago native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of a crew working aboard one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered fast attack submarines, USS Santa Fe.
Petty Officer 3rd Class David Taylor is an electrician’s mate (nuclear power) serving aboard the Pearl Harbor-based submarine, one of 40 Los Angeles-class submarines making it the backbone of the submarine force.
A Navy electrician’s mate is responsible for working on the myriad pumps, motors and generators associated with the reactor plant.
“The people I work with are the best part of the job,” Taylor says. “They are all dedicated equally to professionalism and mentoring.”
With a crew of 130, this submarine is 360 feet long and weighs approximately 6,900 tons. A nuclear-powered propulsion system helps push the submarine through the water at more than 25 mph.
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; carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. Their primary tactical advantage is stealth, operating undetected under the sea for long periods of time.
“Submarine sailors never cease to amaze me with their ability to complete complex missions in the world’s most challenging environments,” said Rear Adm. Fritz Roegge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “Continued U.S. undersea superiority is not possible without their dedication, expertise and professionalism.”
According to Navy officials, because of the demanding environment aboard submarines, personnel are accepted only after rigorous testing and observation. Submariners are some of the most highly trained and skilled people in the Navy. The training is highly technical and each crew has to be able to operate, maintain and repair every system or piece of equipment on board. Regardless of their specialty, everyone also has to learn how everything on the ship works and how to respond in emergencies to become “qualified in submarines” and earn the right to wear the coveted gold or silver dolphins on their uniform.
“The sense of belonging we have on this sub has created an atmosphere of togetherness and trust,” said Taylor. “We all have each other’s backs.”
Challenging submarine living conditions actually build strong fellowship among the elite crew, Navy officials explained. The crews are highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills.
“Being in the Navy is a source of pride for me, knowing that I can take care of my family and also serve my country,” added Taylor.
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“Why Being There Matters”
On our planet, more than 70 percent of which is covered by water, being there means having the ability to act from the sea. The Navy is uniquely positioned to be there; the world’s oceans give the Navy the power to protect America’s interests anywhere, and at any time. Your Navy protects and defends America on the world’s oceans. Navy ships, submarines, aircraft and, most importantly, tens of thousands of America’s finest young men and women are deployed around the world doing just that. They are there now. They will be there when we are sleeping tonight. They will be there every Saturday, Sunday and holiday this year. They are there around the clock, far from our shores, defending America at all times.
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Note: Links added by Beachwood.
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Previously:
* Chicago Navy Commander’s Continuing Promise.
* Meet Chicago Sailor Joshua Johnson.
* Meet Chicago Quartermaster Seaman Maribel Torres.
* Meet Chicago Navy Commander Chad Hennings.
* Meet Chicago Navy Seaman Desmond Cooke.
* Meet Chicago Airman Dominique Williams.
* Whitney Young Grad To Serve Aboard USS Essex.
* Proviso West Grad To Serve Aboard USS Paul Hamilton.
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Comments welcome.
Posted on April 19, 2016