Apple Valley Native Keeping America’s Nuclear Adversaries at Bay

FACES OF THE DEEP - “I joined the Navy because joining the military is a family tradition. Everyday I get to work on the ballistic missile system, which is amazing. The D5 missile is a fascinating system; it’s old technology that we haven’t really improved upon because it is nearly perfect. Getting my dolphins felt like I really belonged to something and was part of something special. It meant that I have officially joined this elite force. I feel like there is a trust in the submarine force that you can’t really find anywhere else. I feel more assured that I can rely on the people around me. There is also so many opportunities for me to learn different jobs, I never feel bored,” said Missile Technician 1st Class Charles Knapp, assigned to the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) (Gold), from Apple Valley, California.