Canton Native Serves at Navy's Strategic Weapons Facility

Submitted by the Navy Office of Community Outreach

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Canton, GA -- A 2008 Sequoyah High School graduate and Canton native is serving in the U.S. Navy at Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicholas Taylor is a missile technician serving at the Kings Bay-based command, that supports Ohio-class ballistic and guided missile submarines.

A Navy missile technician is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the trident II D5 and tomahawk missile system.

“The best part of my job is the professional camaraderie of the people I work with,” said Taylor.

Measuring 560 feet long, 42 feet wide and weighing more than 16,500 tons, a nuclear-powered propulsion system helps push the ship through the water at more than 20 knots.

The Navy’s ballistic missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as an undetectable launch platform for intercontinental ballistic missiles. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles if directed by the President.

The Ohio-class design allows the submarines to operate for 15 or more years between major overhauls. On average, the submarines spend 77 days at sea followed by 35 days in-port for maintenance.

“We demand the highest standards from our Sailors - both professionally and personally,” said Rear Admiral Randy Crites, commander of Submarine Group Ten in Kings Bay, Ga. “Petty Officer Taylor’s chain of command, family and our great nation take immense pride in his devotion and service to his country. The importance of our Sailors is immeasurable; people like Nicholas Taylor are absolutely crucial to ensuring our Ships and Submarines are operating at their best - always mission ready, providing our Nation with the greatest Navy the world has ever known. I’m so very proud he is on our team.”

Because of the stressful environment aboard submarines, personnel are accepted only after rigorous testing and observation. Submariners are some of the most highly trained and skilled people in the Navy.

The training is highly technical and each crew has to be able to operate, maintain, and repair every system or piece of equipment on board.

Regardless of their specialty, everyone also has to learn how everything on the ship works and how to respond in emergencies to become “qualified in submarines” and earn the right to wear the coveted gold or silver dolphins on their uniform.

“Being at this command has given me a great chance to focus on my college education and better myself,” Taylor said. “I’ve even managed to get my pilot’s license.”

Although it is difficult for most people to imagine living on a submarine, challenging submarine living conditions actually build strong fellowship among the crew. The crews are highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Taylor and other Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.

“The Navy is full of opportunities to make yourself better personally and professionally,” Taylor added.

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Image via Navy Office of Community Outreach