By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach
KINGS BAY, Ga. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Reed, a native of Hokes Bluff, Alabama, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Georgia, homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. As a submariner, Reed is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mitch Meppelink, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Reed graduated from Hokes Bluff High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hokes Bluff.
“Growing up in Hokes Bluff, I learned to be polite and humble,” Reed said. “I also learned that southern hospitality and a good work ethic go a long way.”
Reed joined the Navy two and a half years ago. Today, Reed serves as a machinist’s mate.
“I joined the Navy for many reasons,” Reed said. “For one, my grandfather was in the Navy. It also means a lot to serve. It was a childhood dream of mine, and I love the ocean. Lastly, I liked being a part of a tight-knit community.”
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is the homeport of East Coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines. These submarines are capable of conducting operations in the Atlantic, Arctic, Eastern Pacific, and Indian Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea. It is also the only Navy base with the capability to support the Trident II missile, the most sophisticated nuclear missile designed to be launched from a submarine.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators!,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.
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.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Reed serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Reed has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is learning to overcome any challenges that I’ve faced,” Reed said. “I’m also proud of being able to fulfill my duties efficiently and to the best of my abilities every day, and having my crew trust me.”
Reed serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means being able to push myself further than I thought I could,” Reed said. “I love my job and everything about it. I love being able to serve with my family away from my family, and I want to be able to help people.”
Reed is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Senior Chief John Edwards for always encouraging me and reminding me that I am doing a good job,” Reed added. “I also want to thank my mom for giving me the final kick I needed to join the Navy.”
