Hazel Crest native serves as a member of U.S. Navy’s “Silent Service”

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Rae Moreno
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Rae Moreno

 Hazel Crest native serves as a member
of U.S. Navy’s “Silent Service”
BY MEGAN BROWN
Navy Office of Community Outreach
KINGS BAY, Ga. – A Hazel Crest, Illinois, native is serving
aboard USS Alaska, one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-
powered submarines.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Anthony Roberson, a 2014 Hillcrest
High School graduate, joined the Navy two years ago.
Today, Roberson serves as a missile technician, whose responsibilities include maintaining the nuclear weapon system
on a submarine.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted a job stable enough to
start a family and see different countries,” said Roberson.
According to Roberson, the values required to succeed in
the military are similar to those found in Hazel Crest.

“I learned to be constantly aware of my surroundings from
my hometown,” said Roberson.

Known as America’s “Silent Service,” the Navy’s submarine force
operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.

There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack
submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and
guided-missile submarines (SSGN).

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 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.
SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols
and the precise delivery of missiles.

Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented
strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes. As a member of the submarine force, Roberson is part of a rich 121-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.

Serving in the Navy means Roberson is part of a team that
is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding
military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming
business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The SSBN platform contributes to national security by
providing nuclear deterrence,” said Roberson.

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and
95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet
traffic carried through underwater fiber optic, Navy officials
continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the
United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy. A
major component of that maritime security is homeported at
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.

“We do two big things here in King’s Bay: we send SSBNs
on Strategic Deterrence Patrols and we forward deploy our
guided missile submarines overseas,” said Rear Adm. John
Spencer, Commander, Submarine Group Ten. “This work
is essential to uphold the number one mission of the Navy:
strategic deterrence. And this is the only home port for both
of these types of submarines on the East Coast.”

Strategic deterrence is the Nation’s ultimate insurance program,
and for decades, Kings Bay has been home to Ohio Class
SSBN ballistic-missile submarines. Beginning in 2028, the new
Columbia Class ballistic-missile submarines will arrive and provide continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.

As Roberson and other sailors continue to train and
perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in
serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy means I can lead a life that I am proud
of and set my future children up for success,” added Roberson.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

Sydney Blaylock-The local skater with national experience