A 2013 Sayreville War Memorial High School graduate and South Amboy 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, the USS Henry M. Jackson.
Seaman Kyle Kjersgaard is a missile technician serving aboard the Bangor, Washington-based boat, one of 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, according to information provided by Lt. Robert Kearley of the Navy Office of Community Outreach.
A Navy missile technician is responsible for maintaining the missile defense systems, ensuring that all tubes are operational and capable of launching any and all weapons.
“I like that this job enables me to be hands-on with some of our nation’s most advanced weapons systems,” Kjersgaard said in a prepared statement.
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 a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles if directed by the president, according to Kearley.
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.
Kjersgaard 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, according to the statement.
“I really like the people I work with and that everyone works closely with one another to get the job done,” Kjersgaard said.
According to Navy officials, because of the demanding 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. Challenging submarine living conditions build strong fellowship among the elite crew, Navy officials explained. The crews are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills, according to the statement.
“Service in the Navy has allowed me an opportunity to give back to my country,” Kjersgaard said.
