Bedford native serves as a member of U.S. Navy’s submarine force

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jayse Willhardt, a 2010 Indian Creek High School graduate, joined the Navy seven years ago.

“I joined because I felt I had a calling to serve,” said Willhardt. “I wanted to experience the world and do something bigger in life.”

Today, Willhardt serves as an information systems technician.

An information systems technician is responsible for troubleshooting computers and providing customer service for users of the network. Willhardt is also an electronic warfare qualified technician.

Willhardt relies upon skills and values from lessons learned in Bedford to succeed in the military.

“I was a four sport athlete growing up and was a team player,” said Willhardt. “Sports taught me how to help others achieve the common goal.”

Known as America’s “apex predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically-advanced vessels. These submarines can conduct rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, to further 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 hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships, according to Navy officials. They also strike targets ashore with cruise missiles, carry and deliver Navy SEALs, engage in mine warfare and conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

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 replace the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s. It will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the United States.

Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform.

Each SSGN can carry 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, Willhardt is part of a rich 122-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy to defend America and its allies.

Serving in the Navy means Willhardt is part of a world 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 protects the waters, which is 70% of the planet's surface,” said Willhardt.

More than 90 percent of all trade travels by sea, and fiber optic cables on the ocean floor carry 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic.

Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to ready sailors and a strong Navy.

“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations.“The U.S. Navy – forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power – deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”

Sailors like Willhardt, have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“My proudest moment was earning my warfare pin and feeling that I have achieved something that truly makes my parents proud of me,” said Willhardt.

As Willhardt and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“For me, serving means putting others first,” added Willhardt.