Chattanooga Native Serves As A Member Of The U.S. Navy's Submarine Force

A Chattanooga, Tennessee, native is serving at Commander, Submarine Squadron 11, which supports the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines.

Chief Petty Officer Justin Kent, a 2009 East Ridge High School graduate, joined the Navy 13 years ago. 

“I joined to better my life, to serve my country and see the world,” said Mr. Kent.

Today, Mr. Kent serves as a nuclear machinist’s mate.

Mr. Kent supervises plant and engine room operations, and maintains and troubleshoots the power plant equipment on board submarines.

He relies upon skills and values from lessons learned in Chattanooga to succeed in the military.

“My parents and community taught me to respect others and to always have integrity,” said Mr.

Kent. “My parents also taught me to keep a level head when the situation goes sideways.”

Known as America’s “apex predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically-advanced vessels. These submarines can conduct rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, to further 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 hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships, according to Navy officials. They also strike targets ashore with cruise missiles, carry and deliver Navy SEALs, engage in mine warfare and conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

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 replace the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s. It will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the United States.

Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform.

Each SSGN can carry 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.

Strategic deterrence is the Nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Kent is part of a rich 122-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy to defend America and its allies.

Serving in the Navy means Mr. Kent is part of a world 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 the National Defense Strategy by protecting international waters and ensuring navigable seas,” said Mr. Kent.

More than 90 percent of all trade travels by sea, and fiber optic cables on the ocean floor carry 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic. 

Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to ready sailors and a strong Navy.

“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, chief of Naval Operations. "The U.S. Navy – forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power – deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”

Sailors like Mr. Kent, have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“My proudest achievement in the Navy, is the impact I have had on other sailors’ lives,” said Mr. Kent. “As a chief, my primary duty is to train and lead my sailors. I take pride in seeing them grow and advance.”

As Mr. Kent and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving means being a leader who shows up for your team, does the job correctly and takes on the hardest assignments,” added Mr. Kent.