By Kayla Good Contributing writer A 2013 Eatonville High School graduate and Eatonville native is serving in the Navy as part of a crew working aboard one of the world's most advanced ballistic missile submarines -- the USS Nevada. Fireman Apprentice Robert Porter is a machinist's mate (auxiliary) serving aboard the Bangor-based sub, one of the Navy's 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. A machinist's mate (auxiliary) is responsible for maintenance and repair of auxiliary equipment, including air, refrigeration, hydraulic, atmosphere control, diesel and plumping systems. "The coolest part of my job so far was when I was able to go up in the sail on the topside of the sub,GÇ¥ said Porter. "It was like getting a breath of fresh air with a great view.GÇ¥ Measuring 560 feet long, 42 feet wide and weighing more than 16,500 tons, the Nevada is pushed through the water at more than 20 knots (23 miles per hour) by a nuclear-powered propulsion system. Navy officials say ballistic missile submarines, often referred to as "boomers," serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched 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. According to Navy officials, current ballistic missile submarines, commissioned between 1987 and 1997, are reaching their end of life. The Ohio replacement submarine will be a cost-effective recapitalization of sea-based strategic deterrence, officials said. Construction of the 12 new submarines GÇô capable of matching the at-sea presence of the 14 Ohio craft at a saving to the U.S. of $208 million -- must begin in 2021 in order for the first new submarine to go into service in 2031, officials said. Each one will carry 16 Trident missiles and a 42-year service life. Capt. Mark Schmall, commodore of Submarine Squadron 17 of Bangor, said the "teamGÇ¥ of Porter and "is filled with dedicated, hard-working and highly qualified professionals who hold uncommon levels of responsibility and accountability. Their work ethic, commitment, and enthusiasm are second to none.GÇ¥ Porter is part of one of his boat's two rotating crews, which allow th Nevada to be deployed on missions more often without taxing one crew too much. Each crew has approximately 150 officers and enlisted sailors. Submarines are a survivable deterrent that can impose unacceptable consequences even after an enemy's nuclear attack, officials said. Ballistic missile submarines will be responsible for 70 percent of deployed nuclear warheads under the strategic arms treaty. "Serving aboard the Nevada has been a once in a lifetime experience,GÇ¥ said Porter. According to Navy officials, because of the demanding 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 must 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. Challenging submarine living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew, officials explained. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills. "For me, serving in the Navy is a family tradition,GÇ¥ said Porter. "My father also served as a machinist's mate aboard a submarine. I hope I can make him proud.GÇ¥
Kayla Good is a writer for the Navy Office of Community Outreach.
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