Court House Native Serves Aboard Most-advanced Sub

KINGS BAY, GA. – A 2005 Middle Township High School graduate and Court House native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of a crew working aboard one of the world’s most advanced ballistic missile submarines, USS Alaska.
Petty Officer 1st Class Andrew Priggemeier, an electronics technician (nuclear), serves aboard the Kings Bay-based boat, one of 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. 
As an electronics technician (nuclear), Priggemeier is responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of the reactor and the associated control equipment.
“I like working on the nuclear reactor and the reactor equipment the most,” stated Priggemeier in a release. “It is rewarding knowing that there is a higher level of expertise required for this job.”
The Navy’s ballistic missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as undetectable launch platforms for intercontinental ballistic missiles. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles, and they are the only survivable leg of the nation’s strategic nuclear forces, which also include land-based missiles and aircraft.
The Ohio-class design allows the submarines to operate for 15 or more years between major overhauls.
According to Navy officials, submarine sailors are some of the most highly trained and skilled people in the Navy. The training is highly technical, and each crew has to be able to operate, maintain, and repair every system or piece of equipment on board.  Regardless of their specialty, everyone also has to learn how everything on the ship works and how to respond in emergencies to become “qualified in submarines” and earn the right to wear the coveted gold or silver dolphins on their uniform.
“We demand the highest standards from our sailors – both professionally and personally,” stated Rear Adm. Randy Crites, commander, Submarine Group 10 in Kings Bay. 
“Their chain of command, family and our great nation take immense pride in their devotion and service. These sailors are absolutely crucial to ensuring our ships and submarines are operating at their best – always mission ready, providing our nation with the greatest Navy the world has ever known. I’m so very proud these sailors are on our team.”
“The best thing about serving on a sub is the small crew size,” stated Priggemeier. “On a submarine, you have a real close-knit community, which you don’t find a lot of other places.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Priggemeier and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.
“Serving in the Navy has taught me leadership skills, a strong work ethic, and technical expertise,” stated Priggemeier.