Amarillo native trains to join U.S. Navy submarine force
GROTON, Conn. - An Amarillo native is in training to be a part of a 123-year tradition of service under the sea.
Submariners play a critical role in carrying out one of the Defense Department’s most important missions: strategic deterrence. As a student at Navy Submarine School, Seaman Morgan Bryant is learning what is needed to operate aboard submarines so they can successfully complete missions around the world.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to have a better career,” said Bryant. “I also wanted to set myself up for the future while serving my country.”
Growing up in Amarillo, Bryant attended River Road High School and graduated in 2022.
Skills and values similar to those found in Amarillo are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I learned in Armarillo that no matter what battles you face, it will work out in the long run,” said Bryant. “I've faced a lot of challenging situations already and it's helped me stay motivated, and to not give up.”
These lessons have helped Bryant while serving in the Navy.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators!,” 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 Virginia-class SSN 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. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class SSBN will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine 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 SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
Serving in the Navy means Bryant is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy."
“The Navy contributes to national security by deterring our adversaries,” said Bryant. “We keep the nation safe and the waterways free.”
With 90 percent 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Bryant and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Graduating boot camp is my proudest accomplishment in the Navy,” said Bryant. “It's a stepping stone to the start of my future and it's setting me up for twho I want to become.”
As Bryant and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“We are not individuals, we are a team that was put here for the job of protecting Americans from threats the Navy faces,” said Bryant. “It makes me feel really good to know that what I'm doing benefits not only me, but the people around me, and the nation as a whole.”
Bryant is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I'm so grateful for my family,” added Bryant. “They all have supported me from the start and they helped me decide what I wanted to be and where I wanted to go.”
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo native trains to join U.S. Navy submarine force
