Petty Officer 3rd Class Courtney Smith, a native of Elkins, West Virginia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Georgia, homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. As a submariner, Smith is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Smith graduated from Elkins High School in 2019. The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Elkins.
“I learned growing up to never settle for less and to always strive for more,” Smith said. “You don’t want to be stuck doing the same thing the rest of your life if you’re not happy.”
Smith joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Smith serves as an electronics technician.
“When I heard about the Nuclear Power Program, it sounded like everything I wanted out of a career,” Smith said. “Also, I come from a military family, and I take a lot of pride in being part of that. My dad, my brother, my uncle and my grandpa all served in the military.”
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, Smith 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% 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.
Smith has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I helped repair several vital pieces of equipment during my last deployment that enabled us to stay at sea to complete our mission,” Smith said.
Smith 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 has shaped who I am,” Smith said. “I’ve gained many skills that I can apply to my life.”
Smith is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Matthew and Melissa Smith, for helping me get to the point where I could join the Navy and for supporting my decision to serve,” Smith added. “They’ve always been my biggest advocates.”
