Roseville native defends US from under the sea

Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexandria Surratt, a native of Roseville, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Georgia, homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. As a submariner, Surratt is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans' safety. Surratt said the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Roseville. "One lesson I learned growing up is that the struggles of life are much easier when surrounded by friends," Surratt explained. "No matter where I find myself, the company I keep always makes a difference. In the Navy, when we are on deployment, things can get rough, and the only people you have are the people you work with. It is a lot easier when you have good people around you." Surratt joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Surratt serves as an electronics technician (nuclear power). "I joined the Navy because I wasn't sure what I wanted to do," Surratt said. "I knew the Navy would give me the opportunity to travel while allowing me to figure out what I wanted to do." Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is the homeport of East Coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines. These submarines are capable of conducting operations in the Atlantic, Arctic, Eastern Pacific and Indian Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea. It is also the only Navy base with the capability to support the Trident II missile, the most sophisticated nuclear missile designed to be launched from a submarine. Known as America's "Apex Predators," the Navy's submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically 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 tubes. Strategic deterrence is the nation's ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Surratt serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies. The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year. According to Navy officials, "America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America's Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom." 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America. Surratt has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service. "So far, I am most proud of having qualified submarines because it shows the hard work and effort I put into all I do," Surratt said. "However, there are many more accomplishments on the horizon that I am looking forward to. One of the big ones is qualifying as a reactor operator." Surratt said she is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible, saying, "I want to thank my family, friends, instructors and all the mentors who have helped me along the way."