I read Lt. Hong’s ‘Discussion” article regarding possible ways to improve/change the Submarine Force (THE SUBMARINE REVIEW, October 20 I 0). There is one section of the article I find a bit hard to believe, specifically that some higher authority would require the XO and CO to review tire training exam. While it has been almost 30 years since I was CO of an SSN, as I recall most of my priorities were those I set for myself:
I. Tactics and Warfighting
2. Training and looking out for the officers and crew
3. Not running aground
4. Not having a collision
5. Passing major exams (ORSE, ORE, NTPI)
6. During major maintenance periods:
a) Not letting seawater in the ship
b) Not letting primary coolant out of the pipes
c) Not pulling more than one rod during Control Rod Testing
I had tours as both an Engineer (USS SCAMP) and Navigator (USS POGY) and felt well prepared as XO and CO for those tours.
In summary, I think it is more the individuals than the system and would recommend we continue as we are.
Captain Mike Raggett, USN (Ret)
Former CO USS POLLACK (SSN603)
COMSUBRON THREE
