James Green)
Submariners make up only 10 percent of the U.S. Navy’s personnel, but they play a critical role in carrying out one of the Defense Department’s most important missions: strategic deterrence. Petty Officer 2nd Class Spencer Fitzsimmons, a native of Caledonia, is one of the sailors continuing a 123-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Fitzsimmons joined the Navy five years ago and today serves as a culinary specialist aboard USS Indiana.
“I joined the Navy to see the world, to make myself a better person, to serve my country and to me help figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life,” said Fitzsimmons.
Growing up in Caledonia, Fitzsimmons attended Caledonia High School and graduated in 2018.
Skills and values similar to those found in Caledonia are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I learned in Michigan that family is all you have at the end of the day,” said Fitzsimmons. “Now my family is the sailors on the sub, so I just take care of them as much as I would want them to take care of me. I also worked at an Italian restaurant before I joined and that gave me a good work ethic that carried over in the Navy.”
These lessons have helped Fitzsimmons while serving in the Navy.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators!,” 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 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.
“Our mission remains timeless – to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Fitzsimmons is part of a rich history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in defense of America and its allies.
“We are one of the strongest assets to national defense because we have capabilities on land, at sea and in the air,” said Fitzsimmons. “We train really well to be able to protect the country in any domain.”
With 90 percent 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Fitzsimmons and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“We just had a supply management inspection and we got above standard on the food quality, food production and sanitization,” said Fitzsimmons. “It is really not heard of for supply to get above standards on those inspections. It was the first time I had ever seen it so I am very proud of that.”
As Fitzsimmons and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Being in the Navy means I get to serve my country while making myself better every day,” said Fitzsimmons.
Fitzsimmons is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my former bosses, Nick Farro and Travis Marshall, and my current boss, Alex Albrecht for crafting me into the sailor that I am today,” added Fitzsimmons.
