By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach
KINGS BAY, Ga. – A Fredericktown, Missouri, native is serving aboard USS Alaska, one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines.
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Rae Moreno
Petty Officer 3rd Class Dakota Dowd, a 2014 Fredericktown High School graduate, joined the Navy three years ago.
Today, Dowd serves as a torpedoman, whose responsibilities include maintaining, loading and assisting in shooting torpedoes.
“I perform maintenance on weapons on board our ship and ensure everyone is qualified to carry our weapons,” added Dowd.
Dowd joined the military to follow in the footsteps of those already making a difference.
“I joined the Navy because some of my family and friends are serving and I wanted to help out as well,” said Dowd.
According to Dowd, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Fredericktown.
“Growing up I learned the importance of showing up to work on time,” said Dowd. “I also learned to always have a good attitude with whatever is thrown at me.”
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, Dowd 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 Dowd 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 Navy ensures that we are always ready to provide nuclear deterrence and provide a watchful eye of all that happens above and below the surface of the sea,” said Dowd.
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 Dowd 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 sacrificing my time with the ones I love and trying to better myself every day so that my family is taken care of and safe for the future,” added Dowd.