Steven Hoskins Specialist 1st Class
Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Champion is an electronic technician.
Chief Mass Communication Specialist
A 1998 Byrnes High School graduate and Spartanburg native is serving in the U.S. Navy supporting nuclear-powered, fast-attack, submarines home ported in and visiting the Groton, Conn., area.
Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Champion is an electronic technician. A Navy electronic technician is responsible for navigation and electronics related to navigation. “I enjoy the camaraderie,” Champion said.
Naval Submarine Support Center, New London provides administrative and support functions to approximately 20 submarines.
Attack submarines are designed to hunt and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships, strike targets ashore with cruise missiles, carry and deliver Navy SEALs, carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission, and engage in mine warfare. Their primary tactical advantage is stealth, operating undetected under the sea for long periods of time.
“The U.S. Navy submarine force has one of the highest operational tempos in the U.S. Navy and Naval Submarine Support Center, New London plays a vital role in helping Groton-based submarines maintain their excellent readiness,” said CDR. Brian J. Nowak, Commanding Officer, Naval Submarine Support Center, New London.
“The warfighters operating the submarines at the tip of the spear, and those who are building the Navy’s newest nuclear powered submarines can only do so because of the vast network of support they receive from the shore side. The professional sailors and civilians at Naval Submarine Support Center, New London serve a key role in that network. I am honored that I get to serve every day with outstanding sailors like Champion.”
According to Navy officials, because of the demanding environment aboard submarines, personnel are accepted only after rigorous testing and observation. The submarine community is an all-volunteer force, which has some of the most highly trained and skilled people in the Navy.
• Chief Mass Communication Specialist Erica R Gardner is with the Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs.