Johnson City native contnues a 123-year tradition of service under the sea

Published 2:48 pm Thursday, July 6, 2023

GROTON, Conn. – 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 3rd Class Dustin Triplett, a native of Johnson City, Tennessee, is one of the sailors continuing a 123-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.

Triplett joined the Navy two years ago and today serves as a machinist’s mate-auxiliary about USS Indiana.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to something more meaningful and different, and get more experiences,” said Triplett.

Growing up in Johnson Cty, Triplett attended David Crockett High School and graduated in 2015.

Skills and values similar to those found in Johnson City are similar to those required to succeed in the military.

“I learned the importance of patience and sociability of growing up,” said Triplett. “That definitely helps in the Navy because you have to talk with a lot of different people”

These lessons have helped Triplett while serving in the Navy.

Known as America’s “Apex Predators.” the Navy’s submarien force operates a large fleet of techically-advanced vessels. These summaries are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the word, in furtherance of U.S.national securtiy.

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, Triplett 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.

“The Navy is important to national defense because we are a deterrent to adversaries,” said Triplett. “Enemies know that we are they, so they don’t take aggressive actions against us.”

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.

Triplett and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

My proudest Navy accomplishment is constantly learning,” said Triplett. “In the Navy, things change at a moment’s notice, so being able to constantly learn makes me grow and makes me a better sailor.”

As Triplett and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy means doing my part to defend our country,” said Triplett. “It is definitely not easy but it makes me proud to be a part of it.”

Triplett is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my mom, Pamela, my sister, Danica, and my best friend for their constant support,” added Triplett. “Anytime I am having a rough day at work, I know I can always call them.”