“This is to certify that Alexander Yachanin has been accepted into the Submarine Warfare community. Congratulations on your selection to this prestigious community.”
Every time I walk into my room in Bancroft Hall, I see these words from my service-selection certificate proudly displayed on my door. The picture of the golden dolphins against a backdrop of a surfacing submarine serves as a motivating reminder of the future, when I will be proud to call myself a part of the world’s strongest undersea force.
Throughout my time at the Naval Academy I have been greatly impressed with the tradition and strong sense of community in the submarine force. My introduction into the submarine community was my youngster cruise on board the USS Greeneville (SSN-772). First impressions are the most important, and this experience sparked my desire to pursue submarines as a career choice. I was able to go underway for two weeks in the Pacific, observing the day-to-day operations of the boat while interacting with and learning from the crew. The enlisted sailors, chiefs, junior officers, and the captain were all gracious hosts, and I was awe struck by the dedication, commitment, and professionalism of every single crew member on board. The cruise was an overwhelmingly positive experience, and those days of liberty in Hawaii certainly sweetened the deal.
My next experience with submarines came during my semester exchange at the Chilean Naval Academy in Valparaiso. After just one week in country I was fortunate enough to participate in a fleet cruise with the Chilean midshipmen on a submarine tender out of the southern port of Talcahuano. While in port, I was able to visit the SS O’Higgins, one of four Chilean submarines in operation. The Chileans were very proud of this diesel boat, which was commissioned in 2005, as it represents a capability that is unmatched by most of the country’s Latin American neighbors. My Chilean classmates were amazed to learn that the United States has more than 60 commissioned submarines, all of which are nuclear powered. Their shock truly put the power of the U.S. Navy into perspective for me, and it only added to my desire to join the world’s most impressive and capable submarine force.
By the time I returned from Chile in January of 2013, I was committed to pursuing my dream of service-selecting submarines. For this reason, I chose to apply for an early selection spot, which would allow me to interview that spring rather than wait until the fall of my first-class year. I remember well the stress and cramming that went into the days and weeks preceding my interviews at Naval Reactors. Thankfully this hard work paid off, as I handled my morning technical interviews without any trouble. I wish I could say the same for my interview with Admiral John Richardson, director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.
The Interview
As I waited nervously, hands sweating and knees shaking, my eyes kept darting around at the impressive collection of memorabilia that was displayed prominently outside of the admiral’s office. They even had the infamous Rickover chair, with the front two legs cut a few inches shorter, maliciously designed so that unsuspecting midshipmen would uncomfortably slide forward while trying to stay composed during Admiral Rickover’s unrelenting questioning. I had written my plebe naval history term paper on Admiral Rickover, so I was all too familiar with the stories of his horrible temper and bizarre treatment of interviewing midshipman during his tenure at the head of Naval Reactors.
Thankfully, Admiral Richardson did not have quite so menacing of a reputation, but I was extremely nervous nonetheless. The gouge from my classmates was to be direct and clear in my answers, as any deviation or hesitation was likely to be pounced on by the admiral. Upon entering his office, I was taken aback by the stark reality of one lonely chair, positioned directly in front of the admiral’s prominent desk. I sat down (thankfully all of this chair’s legs were even) and tried to feign confidence as the admiral seemed to peer into my very soul.
“So tell me, why do you want to join the submarine force?” Phew, I definitely knew the answer to this one, and he seemed more or less pleased with my answer. “Can you please describe for me your Bowman research project?” I could!
As a Bowman Scholar, I had the opportunity to perform independent research during my first-class year, as well as to work as an intern that summer in a field related to my research. I was planning on testing a scale model of an ocean wave energy converter as a means of investigating harnessing renewable energy from ocean waves. At the time of my interview however, I only had a rough idea of the technical details. This, of course, was not good enough for Admiral Richardson. When he asked me how exactly we would measure the energy created by my model, I was unable to provide a decisive answer. I stumbled and tried to describe possible methods I had thought about, but it was already too late—I broke the one rule that everybody had told me not to break!
“Get out of my office!”
Dumbfounded, I stumbled out the door and rushed to a computer upstairs, specially prepared for “look-ups.” I quickly pulled up some of the literature that I had read on ocean wave energy, wrote down some quick notes, and returned practically sprinting Admiral Richardson’s office. “Sir, I have your answer!” I reiterated the memorized technical details in two succinct sentences and then waited as the admiral paused and considered my answer. “Very well, thank you.” Taking the hint, I spun on a dime and walked right out of his office for the second time, relieved that I had survived that ordeal. I was given my official acceptance handshake a few minutes later, as our officer representative from the Naval Academy came out of the office with a wide smile. I was officially going to be a submariner!
A Glimpse into the Submarine Family
The rest of second-class year and my subsequent summer training all flew by, and before I knew it I was back on the Yard as a firstie. As all of my classmates were stressing about service assignment preferences, review boards, and the like, I could rest confidently that my fate was already secure. As the rest of first-class year progressed, I became more and more integrated into my future community.
First, I met with distinguished submariner alumni and the Naval Academy’s submarine officers at the Service Assignment Dinner in December. In February, the first-class submarine selects were honored with our own special dinner. It was truly we who had the honor, however, as Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert, Admiral Richardson, and over a dozen other flag officers attended. Just a few weeks later, I was fortunate enough to see Admiral Richardson again when he spoke at the Navy Crew Alumni Banquet. This was a complete surprise to me, as I had no idea that the admiral was also lightweight rower during his Naval Academy years. If I had known that we shared this important bond, maybe I could have brought it up during my nuke interview—and maybe he wouldn’t have kicked me out of his office.
During spring semester, I enrolled in the junior officer practicum class for submarine selects. We met once a week to learn about the ins and outs of being a submarine officer: from day-to-day operations, to the fundamentals of nuclear power, to surfaced and submerged navigation—not to mention the one week we learned how to play cribbage! These lessons served as an exciting primer so that I can hit the ground running and excel in the Fleet. As I heard about the extra evening drill practices for the Marine Corps selects and the early morning pool workout sessions for the SEAL selects, my conviction that I had made the right choice in submarines was reinforced.
In April I was able to attend the 114th Submarine Birthday Ball here in Alumni Hall with my visiting family. This event served as yet another example of the strong sense of community and tradition shared among submariners. I met some remarkable officers, both young and old, who were able to offer their encouragement and advice as I prepare myself for commissioning and beyond. One of the most moving and memorable parts of the evening took place at the beginning, during the “Tolling the Boats” ceremony, in which we remembered all of the submarines lost and sailors who sacrificed their lives in the Silent Service.
DING, DING, DING. The toll of the bell rang chillingly through the room as each casualty was honored. From the first loss of the USS F-4 in 1915, we followed the course of submarine operations, with the vast majority of the losses occurring in World War II. I was well aware of the pivotal role that U.S. submarines played in the pacific naval campaigns—a force that comprised less than 2 percent of our Navy was able to sink 30 percent of the Japanese Imperial Navy and more than five million tons of Japanese shipping—but I was struck by the heavy price of these victories. The importance and strategic role of American nuclear-powered submarines dominated the Cold War, but thankfully the number of losses decreased substantially. After we honored our past, Vice Admiral James F. Caldwell Jr., the Naval Inspector General, gave a passionate speech addressing the present and future of the Silent Service. The evening was a great success, and I was glad that I was able to introduce my mother and father to the submarine family.
A Compelling Tradition & Mission
As commissioning and graduation day steadily approached and Annapolis transitioned to springtime, the atmosphere on the Yard grew more and more cheerful. I was often asked—by friends, family, or friendly strangers in town—about my plans for the future, and I enthusiastically replied that I would be serving in the submarine force. When they asked me why, I smile, remembering that same question that was posed to me by Admiral Richardson just over a year ago . . .
So why did I choose to be a submariner? While I would be lying if I said that the financial incentives were not an enticing factor, two main reasons contributed to my decision. The first is the incredible sense of tradition, family, and community within the submarine force. Every single submariner who I have met throughout my Naval Academy career, from the petty officers in Hawaii on the Greenville to Admiral Richardson himself, have made positive impressions on me with their dedication, professionalism, and passion for what they do. I have never met a submariner who regretted his career choice; on the contrary, it seems that everybody, even those who ended up on submarines by chance, genuinely could not imagine a better job.
My second reason for choosing submarines is the appeal of their missions. I recognize the continuing importance that submarines play in defending America’s interests and preserving freedom and democracy around the globe, a role that will only grow in the future as we strive to maintain dominance of the undersea realm. American nuclear submarines are the most capable intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platform in the world. The ability to conduct extended operations in areas that are inaccessible or invisible to other platforms gives submarines critical intelligence gathering capability. A U.S. Navy unmanned submarine was used in the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, showing the potential for unmanned undersea vehicle operations.
Another critical mission for submarines is power projection. In a carrier battle group, submarines provide almost a quarter of the group’s total Tomahawk firepower. Operating independently and thanks to their stealth, submarines can also be positioned for strike in areas inaccessible to surface assets. Submarines have increased their precision strike role dramatically in just the past few decades. In Desert Storm submarines launched less than five percent of all Tomahawks. In Allied Force subs were responsible for firing almost 25 percent of the tomahawks launched against Serbian targets in Kosovo. Most recently, in Odyssey Dawn a single nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine fired the majority of Tomahawk missiles to enforce a no-fly zone in Libya.
What Lies Ahead?
Sea control, mine warfare, special operations, and strategic deterrence are additional examples of the varied missions of today’s submarines force. But what sorts of missions will submarines perform in five, ten, or twenty years down the road? What enemies will I face as a young division officer, department head, or even commanding officer? The future may be unclear, but submarines will continue to provide crucial capabilities unmatched by any other platform.
New technologies will alter the battle space and the way in which operations are performed. With the ability to launch unmanned undersea, aerial, and SEAL delivery vehicles, submarines could be poised to dominate stealth operations in water, on land, and in the air. The new Virginia class, designed for the uncertainties of the 21st century, exemplifies the wide range of possible mission areas to which submarines could contribute. These subs are designed to flexibly adapt to future asymmetric enemy threats and to incorporate advanced technologies as they become available.
The proposed Ohio-class replacements will also continue to provide the backbone of our nation’s strategic deterrent as we face potential nuclear threats from unstable regimes around the globe. As the arctic ice caps continue to melt and new sea lanes open in the far north, and as maritime territory disputes continue to build in Southeast Asia, submarines must also be prepared to operate in new and dangerous domains.
After commissioning from the Naval Academy I will attend Stanford University and earn my master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering before beginning the nuclear submarine training pipeline, starting with Nuclear Power School in Charleston, South Carolina. My U.S. Naval Academy, Stanford, and nuclear Navy education will provide me with the world’s best training and preparation for serving on submarines and ashore.
As a Navy submarine officer, I will be able to participate in operations directly influenced by and that effect current world events. My global travels and cultural immersion experiences will allow me to contribute to the United States’ cooperation with allies on maintaining freedom of the seas through joint international training and exercises. My exposure to Chilean diesel submarines could serve me well in Southeast Asia, as China continues to expand their diesel submarine fleets and countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and others acquire their own. The Secretary of the Navy has prioritized seeking to increase energy efficiency, sailing a Great Green Fleet, reducing energy demand, and increasing alternative renewable energy ashore. I hope that ultimately I can use my knowledge of renewable energy systems and nuclear power to help the Navy prepare for this sustainable energy future.
Commissioning Day, a day that seemed impossibly distant for so long, finally arrived. While it may be the end of my four-year journey at the Naval Academy, it is really the beginning of a much grander adventure that awaits me. It is hard to anticipate too far ahead, but I can rest assured knowing that I will be working with the world’s best trained sailors of the world’s most capable and advanced platforms. Since I arrived in Annapolis, I have been able to learn about and embrace all aspects of the submarine force, and I am excited for whatever the future has in store. I know that my time as a Navy nuclear submariner will serve as the defining years of my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Semper Deep!
Ensign Yachanin is a 2014 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was an honors ocean engineering major, Spanish minor, and a four-year member of the varsity lightweight crew team. Following commissioning he will pursue a masters in civil and environmental engineering with an atmosphere/energy focus at Stanford University.