Toledo High School graduate Ryan Smith is currently serving aboard a Navy submarine.
A 2009 Toledo High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard USS John Warner, one of the U.S. Navy’s fast-attack submarines.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Smith is a yeoman aboard the Norfolk-based submarine, one of only 16 Virginia-class fast-attack submarines in the Navy’s fleet.
A Navy yeoman is responsible for legal matters, ceremonies, awards and enlisted personnel records.
“From an administration perspective, I appreciate working with others and making sure their needs are met,” Smith said.
Smith credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Toledo.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of integrity and doing the right thing, regardless of what others do,” Smith said. “When I’m on watch, this mindset is especially important as lives are at stake.”
With a crew of 130, this submarine is 377 feet long and displaces approximately 7,800 tons of water. John Warner’s nuclear-powered propulsion system helps push the submarine through the water at more than 25 mph and to depths greater than 800 feet.
A key element of the Navy’s mission is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our submarines continue to provide access with influence,” said Vice Adm. Chas Richard, Commander, Submarine Forces. “Our elite force is charged by our nation with exploiting unique undersea advantages to provide the United States influence, especially far forward where other forces cannot complete the mission, and where persistent undersea concealment provides unique access. We use that access and undersea concealment to provide unique intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in support of national interests, and, if necessary, we are ready to use our undersea advantage to conduct strike warfare ashore, conduct theater and unit-level anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, and perform other missions such as employing special forces.”
USS John Warner returned from an overseas deployment in July, which included combat operations in April, launching Tomahawk cruise missiles in targeted strikes against Syrian military facilities.
During this maiden deployment, sailors sailed more than 30,000 nautical miles and conducted port visits in Greece, Scotland, Spain and the United Kingdom. The crew also sailed above the Arctic Circle.
“Being the commanding officer of one of our nation’s submarines is the honor of a lifetime,” said Cmdr. Will Wiley, commanding officer of John Warner. “I come to work every day with a smile on my face because of the outstanding men and women I have the opportunity to serve with on USS John Warner who all volunteered to keep our country safe.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Smith and his fellow submariners know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the navy the nation needs.
“I get a great sense of satisfaction knowing my work has an impact on other sailors,” Smith said.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Smith is most proud of getting his submarine warfare qualification, also known as “dolphins.”
“It took a lot of hard work and studying to receive the dolphins,” Smith said. “There’s a sense of brotherhood when I see others who have achieved this accomplishment.”
Submariners are some of the most highly-trained and skilled sailors in the Navy. The training programs are highly technical to ensure each crew member is able to operate, maintain and repair every system and piece of equipment on the submarine.
“Serving in the Navy means being a part of something bigger than myself,” Smith added. “I believe I’m making a difference in the world. I’ve seen first-hand what we do in a submarine that makes a global difference.”
With only 130 elite sailors assigned, submarine crews build strong fellowship, are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions. A career as a submariner is a life of specialized work, unique missions and some of the most advanced training in the Navy.
