By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach
BANGOR, WASH. – A Fort Lauderdale, Florida, native is serving aboard USS Kentucky, one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines.
Petty Officer 1st Class Cavin Commock serves as an electrician’s mate and joined the Navy to find a career.
“I was working several jobs trying to make a living at the time,” said Commock. “I have a niece serving in the military, and she inspired me to join the military as well.”
Commock attended Pompano Beach High School and graduated in 2002. Today, Commock uses skills and values like those found in Ft. Lauderdale.
“Follow through is important,” said Commock. “When you’re assigned a task, it’s important to get it done in a way that it will sustain itself. For ex., when your mom tells you to clean your room it’s not enough to just clean your room. You need to clean it up and keep it clean. There are similarities with the tasks that we’re assigned in the military.”
These lessons have helped Commock while serving aboard USS Kentucky.
Known as America’s “Silent Service,” 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, 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 can carry 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes. As a member of the submarine force, Commock 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 Commock 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 Navy is the first line of defense on the water,” said Commock. “You can’t win a war without defending the border. Having the Navy around the world allows for the ability to deter threats.”
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.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, and for decades Naval Submarine Base Bangor has been home to Ohio Class 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.
Commock and other sailors have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m proud to have this career, and I’m a lot humbler now than when I first joined,” said Commock. “I’m also proud of being selected as the Sailor of the Year in 2020. It’s nice to see hard work get noticed.”
As Commock and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions to support national defense, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I’ve always been a fan of having a servant mentality,” added Commock. “This job keeps me humble, and I’m honored to serve. Every time someone thanks us for our service, it reminds us why we do what we do. I enjoy what I do. Not everyone can truly say they love their job like I do.
