NORFOLK, Va. (Mar. 31, 2023) – 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 1st Class Matthew Johnson, a native of Chesapeake, Virginia, is one of the sailors continuing a 123-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure American’s safety.
Johnson joined the Navy eight years ago and today serves as an electronics technician (nuclear) aboard USS Washington.
“I joined the Navy for a few reasons,” said Johnson. “The biggest one is my daughter, Olivia. I wanted to have a career that would be able to support her and my wife. The other reason is the nuclear program which has developed me into a senior nuclear operator. Lastly, when I was growing up, I was always fascinated with power generation. Nuclear power is a safe and efficient source of energy.”
Growing up in Chesapeake, Johnson attended Grassfield High School and graduated in 2011.
Skills and values similar to those found in Chesapeake are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I would say my hometown taught me hard work and dedication,” said Johnson. “I grew up on a farm where we grew and picked hay and straw to support local farms and businesses. I can’t remember a day in the Navy where I haven’t used those life lessons of hard work and dedication.”
These lessons have helped Johnson while serving in the Navy.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators!,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically-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.
“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, Johnson 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 the defense of America and its allies.
Serving in the Navy means Johnson is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy in my opinion is the most vital branch in regards to conserving our nation’s national security,” said Johnson. “We are the first line of defense and the ultimate deterrence to enemies who want to invade the U.S. our allies countries. At any point, at any time and any day of the year, we are on watch deterring threats and completing the mission.”
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.
Johnson and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of being selected as USS Washington’s Sailor of the Year for 2022,” said Johnson. “I received the recognition because of the positive impact I had on my division and the sub as a whole. I’m proud of this mostly because, out of 25 eligible sailors, the Chiefs Quarters chose me for the award.”
As a member of the Navy, Johnson is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Serving in the Navy means a handful of different things to me,” said Johnson. “It ensures that my wife and kids are provided with anything they need on a daily basis. Secondly, each day that I successfully do my job in the Navy is another day my family and fellow citizens can sleep in peace knowing their freedom is protected. Lastly, serving in the Navy means I get the chance to get better every day. I am never sitting idle. I strive to be better each day.”
Johnson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Lauren who has always been a strong support system for me,” added Johnson. “I also want to thank my mom, Laura, for always providing me with a clear path forward. Lastly, I want to thank my mentors, David Sanders, Jacob Banner, Micheal Coladnoato and Lee Schnider for providing me the mentorship I needed to develop into the sailor that I am today.”
By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach