Petty Officer 2nd Class James Krueger, a native of Shawano, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Georgia, homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia. As a submariner, Krueger is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Krueger graduated from Shawano Community High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Shawano.
“I learned from previous jobs that you won’t always have fun at work,” Krueger said. “That lesson is important in the Navy, because you won’t always have fun, but you can’t let that ruin your day.”
Krueger joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Krueger serves as an electrician’s mate (nuclear).
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to pursue higher education, and the Navy seemed like a good way to learn and have it paid for,” Krueger 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.
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 United States — 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, Krueger 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.
Krueger has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is becoming a diver, because it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Krueger said.
Krueger 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 means I never have to question whether I’m doing something meaningful,” Krueger said.
Krueger is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my section leading petty officer from Nuclear ‘A’ School, Chief Kontilis, for believing in me,” Krueger added. “I also want to thank Chief Navy Diver Klingaman for having supreme confidence in me and for helping me be the best version of myself.”
Shawano native defends America from under the sea
