A 2012 Crisp County High School graduate and Arabi, Georgia 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 Wyoming (SSBN 742).
Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric Faircloth is an electrician’s mate serving aboard the Kings Bay-based boat, one of 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines.
A Navy electrician’s mate is responsible for all the electrical equipment on the boat.
“My job gives me a chance to get hands on experience and continue to learn,” said Faircloth.
Measuring 560 feet long, 42 feet wide and weighing more than 16,500 tons, a nuclear-powered propulsion system helps push the ship through the water at more than 20 knots.
The Navy’s ballistic missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as an undetectable launch platform for intercontinental ballistic missiles. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles if directed by the President. The Ohio-class design allows the submarines to operate for 15 or more years between major overhauls. On average, the submarines spend 77 days at sea followed by 35 days in-port for maintenance.
“We demand the highest standards from our Sailors – both professionally and personally,” said Rear Adm. Randy Crites, Commander, Submarine Group Ten in Kings Bay, Ga. “Petty Officer Faircloth’s chain of command, family and our great nation take immense pride in his devotion and service to his country. The importance of our Sailors is immeasurable; people like Eric Faircloth 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 he is on our team.”
Faircloth is part of the boat’s gold crew, one of the two rotating crews, which allow the ship to be deployed on missions more often without taxing one crew too much. A typical crew on this submarine is approximately 150 officers and enlisted Sailors.
Because of the stressful environment aboard submarines, personnel are accepted only after rigorous testing and observation. Submariners 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.
“The crew and chain of command are amazing,” Faircloth said.
Although it is difficult for most people to imagine living on a submarine, challenging submarine living conditions actually build strong fellowship among the crew. The crews are highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Faircloth and other Wyoming sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.
“The Navy has helped me learn how to learn and that makes me a better sailor and person,” Faircloth added.
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“Why Being There Matters”
On our planet, more than 70 percent of which is covered by water, being there means having the ability to act from the sea. The Navy is uniquely positioned to be there; the world’s oceans give the Navy the power to protect America’s interests anywhere, and at any time. Your Navy protects and defends America on the world’s oceans. Navy ships, submarines, aircraft and, most importantly, tens of thousands of America’s finest young men and women are deployed around the world doing just that. They are there now. They will be there when we are sleeping tonight. They will be there every Saturday, Sunday and holiday this year. They are there around the clock, far from our shores, defending America at all times.
Thank you very much for your support of the men and women in U.S. Navy, deployed around the clock and ready to protect and defend America on the world’s oceans.
