KINGS BAY, Ga. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Andre Peden, a native of Berryville, Arkansas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS West Virginia, homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. As a submariner, Peden is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Peden graduated from Berryville High School in 2017. The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Berryville.
“Growing up in Berryville taught me that working hard and being dedicated will provide avenues for more opportunity,” Peden said. “Hard work and dedication are important in the Navy because they set the foundation for how your whole career is going to go. If you start off strong, you will end strong.”
Peden joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Peden serves as a missile technician.
“I joined the Navy to set myself on a good path and to provide myself with opportunities for success,” Peden said.
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is the homeport of East Coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines. These submarines are capable of conducting operations in the Atlantic, Arctic, Eastern Pacific, and Indian Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea. It is also the only Navy base with the capability to support the Trident II missile, the most sophisticated nuclear missile designed to be launched from a submarine.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators!” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically 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.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Peden serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Peden has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of making petty officer second class within two years,” Peden said. “I’m proud of this because I worked hard to make it off the exam on my second try.”
Peden serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy is a milestone and a tough but meaningful stretch,” Peden said. “It provides the skills needed to improve your life.”
Peden is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my girlfriend, Daija, and my son, Asher, for their support,” Peden added. “I also want to thank my division for their help through this journey.”