Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Hoskins
By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Erica R Gardner, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
A 2006 Frankfort High School graduate and Frankfort, Indiana, native is serving in the U.S. Navy supporting nuclear-powered, fast-attack, submarines homeported in and visiting the Groton, Connecticut area.
Petty Officer 1st Class Zach Howe is a logistic specialist.
A Navy logistic specialist is responsible for postal collection, accounting, shipping and receiving of items needed for the submarine.
“I like providing customer service because I interact with a lot of people,” said Howe.
“I grew up in a small town and I like having the feeling of knowing the people I work with,” said Howe.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
Naval Submarine Support Center, New London (NSSCNLON) provides administrative and support functions to approximately 20 submarines. The command provides support in the fields of: administration, medical, legal, chaplain, supply, combat systems, engineering, communications, and operations to improve readiness of submarines in the Groton area.
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; carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. Their primary tactical advantage is stealth, operating undetected under the sea for long periods of time.
“The U.S. Navy submarine force has one of the highest operational tempos in the U.S. Navy and Naval Submarine Support Center, New London plays a vital role in helping Groton-based submarines maintain their excellent readiness,” said CDR. Brian J. Nowak, Commanding Officer, Naval Submarine Support Center, New London. “The warfighters operating the submarines at the tip of the spear, and those who are building the Navy’s newest nuclear powered submarines can only do so because of the vast network of support they receive from the shore side. The professional Sailors and civilians at Naval Submarine Support Center, New London serve a key role in that network. I am honored that I get to serve every day with outstanding Sailors like Howe.”
According to Navy officials, because of the demanding environment aboard submarines, personnel are accepted only after rigorous testing and observation.
The submarine community is an all-volunteer force, which has some of the most highly trained and skilled people in the Navy.
“Being part of the tight-knit community, everyone is so close because our commands are so small,” said Howe.
Supporting the high operational tempo and unique challenges of the submarine force build strong fellowship and a strong sense of mission, according to Navy officials.
“I take pride knowing that I have served my country, and I’m able to support my family,” added Howe.