LAKELAND, Fla. – Submariners make up only 10 percent of the U.S. Navy’s personnel, but they play a critical role in carrying out one of the Defense Department’s most important missions: strategic deterrence. Chief Petty Officer Sean Brady, a native of Lakeland, Florida, is one of the sailors supporting a 123-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure American’s safety.
Brady joined the Navy 15 years ago and today serves as a culinary specialist (submarines) with Commander, Submarine Group 10.
“I joined the Navy to progress my life,” said Brady. “I needed a change and thought the Navy could provide that.”
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Growing up in Lakeland, Brady attended McKeel Academy of Technology and graduated in 2007.
Skills and values similar to those found in Lakeland are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“Lakeland is a comfortable small town,” said Brady. “Everything was readily accessible and available.”
These lessons have helped Brady 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.”
Strategic deterrence is the Nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Brady is part of a rich 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 Brady 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.
“A majority of the world is made up of water,” said Brady. “Without having defenses on the ocean, defense is pointless.”
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.
Brady and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My greatest accomplishment in the Navy has been making chief petty officer,” said Brady. “After going through the process of being selected and learning what it is to be a chief, it gave me a new perspective on Navy culture. It helped me understand how important chiefs are to sailors’ lives.”
As Brady and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Being a part of the Navy gives me purpose,” added Brady. “Making the Navy my career has given me something to focus towards.”
Brady is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom and dad, Laura and Jay Brady,” added Brady. “They pushed me to be better and always wanted me to be more.”
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