By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Petty Officer 1st Class George Horning, a native of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Alaska, homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. As a submariner, Horning is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.

Horning graduated from Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School in 2014.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Conshohocken.

“Growing up in a small town, I learned the importance of community and working together,” Horning said.

Horning joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Horning serves as a machinist’s mate.

“Both my grandfathers served during World War II, one Army and one Navy,” Horning said. “They exemplified service to country. I wanted to be like them and serve in whatever way I can.”

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. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.

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 U.S. – 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, Horning 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.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Horning has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I’m proud of the time I served at the USS Nautilus museum from 2020-2023 because I learned about history, met many veterans, and worked to preserve submarine heritage,” Horning said.

Horning serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“The Navy has provided me a place to better myself and learn new skills,” Horning said.

Horning is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my former chief, Mike Colgrove,” Horning added. “He made me work to find the answers I was looking for, and this helped me learn about my job.”

Photo – Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach