LV sailors play key submarine roles

Dick Benoit

Thursday, Jan. 29, 2004 | 9:07 a.m.

The fast-attack submarine is one of the most advanced and powerful weapons in America's military forces. One such submarine is USS Scranton (SSN 756). With an arsenal of Tomahawk missiles and Mk-48 torpedoes, USS Scranton can hunt for and destroy enemy submarines, and take on surface ships and targets ashore. The submarine's crew of less than 130 sailors carries out some of the most challenging work in the Navy.

Among these submariners are Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon Zaidi, son of Sunny Ashenfelter of Las Vegas, and Seaman Joseph Routsong, son of David Routsong of Las Vegas.

Zaidi, an electrician's mate, plays an essential role in the ship's operations.

"I work on all of the electrical systems on the ship, with emphasis on the battery," the 1999 graduate of Las Vegas Academy said. "I also stand watch on the steam plant, the electrical plant, and when shut down, the reactor plant."

Routsong, a sonar technician, is also key in the ship's operations.

"My basic responsibilities at sea are to ensure the safety of the ship and to detect and classify any contacts in range of my equipment," he said. "I am also required to stay on top of my qualifications. Another important aspect of being a submariner is knowing everything required to participate in saving the boat in the event of a casualty."

Scranton can perform both open-ocean and coastal operations. Its multi-mission capability, stealth, firepower and self-sufficiency makes it among the most important weapons in the United States' arsenal.

"Going places like the North Pole and surfacing through the ice, and going to foreign ports is very exciting," Zaidi said. "Proving time and time again that our boat is the best in the fleet is also something that makes me feel good."

The most impressive quality of a fast-attack submarine is its crew. Submariners like Routsong and Zaidi lead a life very different from their fellow sailors. Serving on a submarine can mean spending up to 115 days underwater, in a space about as big as a three-bedroom family home. With these tight conditions, working together as a team is key to a submarine's crew survival.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, doing that job has meant even more to these sailors.

"It gives me a sense of pride, knowing the submarine force can support the war on terrorism, and I have a part in it instead of just reading about it," Routsong said.

Protecting America and its allies is the daily mission of the Navy's submarine force. It is a mission that takes place in silence and hidden from view with sailors like Zaidi and Routsong on duty night and day, deep underwater, and far from the comforts of home.

In brief

Albright completed an intense four-week course conducted in a very rigorous, high-stressed environment getting training and experience in leadership skills, Army customs, doctrine, tradition, and tactics, drill and ceremonies, professional ethics, physical training and management skills.