EDITOR’S NOTE: Story by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach.
GROTON, Conn. — Fireman Recruit Conner Dailey, a 2024 Ontario High School graduate, is training to be part of the U.S. Navy’s 125-year tradition of service under the sea.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found growing up in Richland County.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of discipline,” Dailey said. “Being disciplined in everything you do is key to success in the Navy and in life.”
Dailey joined the Navy nine months ago. Today, Dailey is a student at Navy Submarine School training to serve as a machinist’s mate (non-nuclear, submarine auxiliary) in the submarine force.
“I joined the Navy to make my friends and family proud,” Dailey said. “My family has a long history of military service, and I’m proud to continue that tradition.”
Located aboard Naval Submarine Base New London, Naval Submarine School is where officers and enlisted sailors receive the basic knowledge needed to join operational submarine commands in the fleet.
U.S. Navy sailors are training at the schoolhouse alongside members of the Royal Australian Navy, who are part of the AUKUS Pillar 1 Optimal Pathway, a partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States aimed at helping Australia acquire a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
Once in the fleet, the foundation established at submarine school allows sailors to build competence and proficiency in operating and maintaining submarines and all their systems.
The school also provides refresher and advanced training to members of the submarine force and those supporting submarine commands to increase proficiency in specific skills.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators,” the U.S. Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.
After completing training, Dailey will serve aboard or in support of one of the Navy’s three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines, ballistic-missile submarines and guided-missile submarines.
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 fast-attack submarine 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. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles.
The Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarines 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 guided-missile submarine is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials.
As a member of the submarine force, Dailey is part of the rich 125-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.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Dailey has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of my decision to join the submarine force,” Dailey said. “A lot of people don’t volunteer to serve on submarines, and I am proud to have made that choice.”
Dailey serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means I have the opportunity to better myself while serving others,” Dailey said. “It gives me a sense of routine and a solid foundation to build the rest of my life off of.”
Dailey is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom and dad, Rachel Reed and Roger Dailey, for their support,” Dailey said. “They are always there for me and always push me to be better.”