Kent native serves as a member of U.S. Navy’s ‘Silent Service’

By Jerry Jimenez

Navy Office of Community Outreach

A Kent native is serving aboard USS Pennsylvania, one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines.

Petty Officer 1st Class Jacob Massie serves as a missile technician and joined the Navy to follow in the family footsteps.

“My dad and my grandpa were in the Navy, so I thought about joining too,” Massie said.

Massie is a 2010 graduate of Kent-Meridian High School. Today, Massie uses skills and values similar to those found in Kent.

“I learned how to study and learn,” Massie said. “It helped me know how to make things more interesting for myself to learn.”

These lessons have helped Massie while serving aboard USS Pennsylvania.

Known as America’s “Silent Service,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically 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 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.

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. As a member of the submarine force, Massie is part of a rich 121-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.

Serving in the Navy means Massie is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy provides strategic deterrence and a safety net from foreign adversaries,” Massie said.

With more than 90% of all trade traveling by sea, and 95% of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through underwater fiber optic, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, and for decades Naval Submarine Base Bangor in Washington has been home to Ohio Class ballistic-missile submarines. Beginning in 2028, the new Columbia Class ballistic-missile submarines will arrive and provide continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.

Massie and other sailors have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“I’m most proud of our boat successfully conducting the Follow on Commanders Evaluation Test,” Massie said. “It was the 51st time that the Navy has completed this. It’s a test to verify that the Trident II D5 weapons system functions properly.”

As Massie and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions to support national defense, they take pride in serving their country in the Navy.

“It means doing the job that isn’t easy,” Massie said. “It brings me satisfaction training junior sailors to take my place or to make it easier to get work done.”

Jerry Jimenez is a Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class with the U.S. Navy.