Archive: Around Town

Pearl Harbor - A 2007 Moravia Central High School graduate and Moravia, New York 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 City of Corpus Christi.

Seaman Eric Sweeney is a sonar technician serving aboard the Pearl Harbor-based submarine, one of 40 Los Angeles-class submarines making it the backbone of the submarine force.

A Navy sonar technician is the eyes and ears of the submarine while underway.

"I enjoy working with computers and servers and listening to the different sounds in the ocean," Sweeney said. "You hear things you wouldn't expect, like the sound shrimp make. It sounds like snapping fingers. You hear that more than anything else underway."

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.

"On a sub, you get more involved with your officers and chiefs, so it's better for your professional development," said Sweeney. "It's a good environment to be working in."

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.

"Earning my keep to be a citizen of this country is why I serve," added Sweeney.

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