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Placer Sentinel

Sacramento Native Serving Aboard Nuclear-Powered Submarine

Apr 14, 2016 12:00AM ● By By Steve Watterworth, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs

Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Woodruff.

A 2009 Pleasant Grove High School graduate and Sacramento, California native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of a crew working aboard one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered fast attack submarines, USS City of Corpus Christi.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Woodruff serves aboard the Pearl Harbor-based submarine, one of 40 Los Angeles-class submarines making it the backbone of the submarine force.

He is responsible for the operation, repair and maintenance of the nuclear propulsion system’s electronics.

“There is a sense of pride serving in the submarine community,” said Woodruff.

With a crew of 130, this submarine is 360 feet long and weighs approximately 6,900 tons. A nuclear-powered propulsion system helps push the submarine through the water at more than 25 mph.

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.

“Submarine sailors never cease to amaze me with their ability to complete complex missions in the world’s most challenging environments,” said Rear Adm. Fritz Roegge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “Continued U.S. undersea superiority is not possible without their dedication, expertise and professionalism.”

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 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.

“We have a tight-knit crew,” said Woodruff. “The submariner community is a brotherhood.”

Challenging submarine living conditions actually build strong fellowship among the elite crew, Navy officials explained. The crews are highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions.  It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills.

“We are defending our country,” added Woodruff. “That’s a responsibility we all take very seriously.”