By MEGAN LEMLY
Navy Office of Community Outreach
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jesse Wagoner, the son of Noblesville residents, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Georgia, homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. As a submariner, Wagoner is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Noblesville.
“I learned the importance of having a strong work ethic and working as a team from playing sports,” Wagoner said. “In the Navy, working as a team and having a strong work ethic allows you to get tasks done the right way and on time.”
Wagoner joined the Navy four years ago. Today, he serves as a machinist’s mate (non-nuclear, submarine auxiliary).
“I joined the Navy to serve my country,” Wagoner said. “My dad was also in the Navy, so that inspired me to join as well.”
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 torpedo tubes.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Wagoner 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.
Wagoner has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of qualifying as chief of the watch and duty chief because it is a hard thing to do, and it couldn’t be done until later on in my career,” Wagoner said.
Wagoner serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world, and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means defending my country and protecting my family,” Wagoner said.
Wagoner is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my Senior Chief John Edwards for helping me in my personal life, even though he didn’t have to, for helping me learn my job and for keeping me out of trouble,” Wagoner added. “I also want to thank my dad, Timothy Wagoner, for being an inspiration to me and for giving me his work ethic.”
Thank you so much for your service!!!