Fairhope native continues a 123-year tradition of service under the sea

Wood, Fairhope High Class of 2010, playing critical role in Defense Department’s strategic deterrence

By Cmdr. Anthony Falvo Navy Office of Community Outreach
Posted 6/7/23

KINGS BAY, Ga. — 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 …

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Fairhope native continues a 123-year tradition of service under the sea

Wood, Fairhope High Class of 2010, playing critical role in Defense Department’s strategic deterrence

Posted

KINGS BAY, Ga. — 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.

Lt. j.g. Trey Wood, a native of Fairhope, Alabama, is one of the sailors continuing a 123-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.

Wood joined the Navy nine years ago and today serves aboard USS Alaska.

“I joined the Navy because I wasn’t satisfied with what I was doing and I knew the Navy could provide me the skills needed to succeed in life,” said Wood. “I was bartending and while it was fun, I knew I didn’t want to do that for the rest of my life.”

Wood attended Fairhope High School and graduated in 2010. Skills and values similar to those found in Fairhope are similar to those required to succeed in the military.

“In Fairhope, I really appreciated the engineering and trade school programs,” said Wood. “Our instructors cultivated interests in all things technical.”

These lessons have helped Wood 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, Wood 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 Wood 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 strategic deterrence that the submarine force provides is vital to keep our country out of major conflicts,” said Wood. “It ensures that other nuclear-capable countries couldn’t ever go head-to-head with us.”

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.

Wood and the sailors he serves with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“By far my proudest accomplishment has been earning my college degree and being commissioned through the Seaman to Admiral 21 Program,” said Wood. “Next month I will have gone from Navy Seaman Recruit to Lieutenant. I earned my degree from Auburn University by working hard and climbing my way through the ranks.”

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

“I enjoy being able to provide for an organization that has a vital mission and I enjoy being a substantial part of that mission,” said Wood. “In driving a submarine, I control the outcome of a mission.”

Wood is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I’m especially grateful to my grandfather, Larry Colvin who was a big influence on me,” added Wood. “He, his brothers and his dad were all in the Navy. My grandfather was a yeoman in the 1960s and he always spoke fondly of his time in the Navy. I’ll be going home next month to have him pin Lieutenant on me. I’ll be the first officer in the family.”

Wood offered some insight to those who may be thinking about making a career in the Navy.

“Serving in the Navy is a great opportunity, especially if you want to learn a skill or trade, for financial stability or for an education,” added Wood. “What you learn in the Navy will support you for the rest of your life.”