Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM JULY 5 - 11, 2023 UCW 11 FEATURE Fayetteville native supports a 123-year tradition of service under the sea by MEGAN BROWN, Navy Office of Community Outreach KINGS BAY, Ga. — Submariners make up only 10% of the U.S. Navy's personnel, but they play a critical role in carrying out one of the Defense De- partment's most important missions: strategic deterrence. Petty Officer 2nd Class Austin Gam- bardella, a native of Fayetteville, is one of the sailors supporting a 123-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans' safety. Gam- bardella joined the Navy six years ago and today serves as an information systems technician (submarines) with Trident Refit Facility Kings Bay. "I joined the Navy because it pro- vided some of the best opportunities for professional development, and training that would be applicable in the civilian world," said Gambardella. Growing up in Fayetteville, Gam- bardella attended Grays Creek High School and graduated in 2015. Skills and values similar to those found in Fayetteville are similar to those required to succeed in the military. "My hometown taught me to be proactive and a quick thinker," said Gambardella. "Nobody is going to push you harder than yourself. It is important to be proactive and utilize extra time wisely to grow." ese lessons have helped Gam- bardella while serving in the Navy. Known as America's "Apex Preda- tors!," the Navy's submarine force op- erates a large fleet of technically-ad- vanced vessels. ese submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security. ere are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile subma- rines (SSGN). Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise mis- siles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. e Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Com- manders' demands in this era of strategic competition. e Navy's ballistic-missile sub- marines, often referred to as "boom- ers," serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic mis- siles. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. e 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 pro- vide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandes- tine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavy- weight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes. "Our mission remains timeless — to provide our fellow citizens with noth- ing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and commit- ted to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "is is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy." Strategic deterrence is the nation's ultimate insurance program, accord- ing to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Gambardella is part of a rich history of the U.S. Navy's most ver- satile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies. Serving in the Navy means Gam- bardella is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America's focus on strengthening alliances, moderniz- ing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy. "Our Navy is versatile and a crucial element for our country's national defense," said Gambardella. "We also are a force that many other aspects of the world rely on for support." With 90% of global commerce trav- eling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials con- tinue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy. Gambardella and the sailors he serves with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service. "Standing a difficult watch out on a mission and contributing to the success of that mission was a source of pride for me," said Gambardella. "It was a showcase of all the skills I learned and putting them to use in real-life scenarios." As Gambardella and other sailors continue to train and perform mis- sions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy. "Serving in the Navy is an opportu- nity to keep the necessary naval forces running, while also bettering myself in the process," said Gambardella. Gambardella is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible. "I would like to thank the people who have trained me and the people who have stepped up to take the reins once I transferred, for passing on the skills that I learned to others," added Gambardella. Petty Officer 2nd Class Austin Gambardella is a 2015 graduate of Grays Creek High School. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Josiah Trombley, Navy Office of Com- munity Outreach) MEGAN BROWN, Navy Office of Community Outreach COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomin- gweekly.com. 910-484-6200. 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