Bristol Native Part Of Nation’s Submarine Force

By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach

A Bristol Borough native is stationed at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia, homeport to all East Coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Ricardo Parr, a 1998 Bristol Borough High School graduate, joined the U.S. Navy 20 years ago.

Today, Parr serves as an independent duty corpsman, whose responsibilities include being the only medical provider on the submarine.

“Serving in the Navy has always been a lifelong goal of mine,” said Parr. “Ever since I was little, I wanted to join the military. My uncle passed before I was born and he, as well as my father, were in the Navy. The Navy also has the best enlisted medical program which provided an opportunity to serve with the Marines and sealed the deal for me.”

According to Parr, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Bristol.

“I am a life member at Bucks County Rescue Squad and American Hose, Hook and Ladder Co. #2,” said Parr. “I learned so much from these organizations beginning at the age of 15. They taught me how to be cool under pressure and think on my feet. This has been beneficial throughout my career to include combat in Iraq to working independently underway on a submarine.”

Known as America’s “Silent Service,” 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 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.

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.

As a member of the submarine force, Parr is part of a rich 121-year 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 Parr 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 U.S. Navy conducts a vast array of missions to include counter-piracy operations, deterrence and humanitarian efforts,” said Parr. “Our greatest mission, however, is providing the Nation’s number one strategic deterrence missions on our SSBN submarines.”

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 Kings Bay.

“We do two big things here in King’s Bay: we send SSBNs on strategic deterrence patrols and we forward deploy our guided missile submarines overseas,” said Rear Adm. John Spencer, Commander, Submarine Group Ten. “This work is essential to uphold the number one mission of the Navy: strategic deterrence. And this is the only home port for both of these types of submarines on the East Coast.”

Strategic deterrence is the Nation’s ultimate insurance program, and for decades, Kings Bay has been home to Ohio Class SSBN 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.

As Parr 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 a sense of pride,” added Parr. “I love being able to protect the country that has given so much to my family and me. There is no better way to say “thank you” than to serve.”