Fort Wayne native serves as a member of U.S. Navy’s submarine force
BANGOR, Wash. – A Fort Wayne, Indiana, native is stationed at Naval Base Kitsap (NBK), homeport to west coast ballisticmissile and guidedmissile submarines.
Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniel Selby serves as a machinist’s mate and joined the Navy to travel abroad.
“I wanted to go out and see the world,” said Selby.
Selby attended Northrup High School and graduated in 2003. Today, Selby uses skills and values similar to those found in Fort Wayne.
“The work ethic and trying your best and working until the job was done, were the biggest lessons I've carried over into my military service,” said Selby.
These lessons have helped Selby while serving aboard Commander, Submarine Squadron 17.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators!,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technicallyadvanced 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 submarinelaunched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbiaclass SSBN will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S. - replacing the current Ohioclass 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, Selby is part of a rich 122year 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 Selby is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
"The ability to deploy and show force is why the Navy is important to national defense,” said Selby. “We are the survivable leg of nuclear deterrence.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through underwater fiber optic, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
A major component of that maritime security is homeported at Naval Submarine Base Bangor.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, and for decades Naval Submarine Base Bangor has been home to Ohio Class ballistic-missile submarines. Beginning in 2028, the new Columbia Class ballistic-missile submarines will arrive and provide continuous sea- based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.
Selby and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of being able to help one of my sailors with academic and professional challenges get advanced to the rank of chief petty officer,” said Selby.
As Selby and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy is important to defending and protecting our way of life,” added Selby.