Kalispell native serves as a member of U.S. Navy’s submarine force

BANGOR, Wash. - Senior Chief Petty Officer Nathaniel Faerber, a native of Kalispell, Montana, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Trident Training Facility (TTF) Bangor at Naval Base Kitsap, homeport of West Coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines. 

Faerber graduated from Flathead High School in 2000.

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

“My hometown taught me how to work hard and how to be grounded,” said Faerber. "I also learned that I am no better than anyone else and that nothing comes for free, I have to earn it. Those lessons help me stay humble in the Navy because you have to earn everything here. They also help me work with people.”

Faerber joined the Navy 19 years ago. Today, Faerber serves as a missile technician.

“I joined the Navy to see the world and to have some adventure in my life,” said Faerber.

Known as America’s “Apex Predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security. A major component of that maritime security is homeported at Naval Base Kitsap, in Washington.

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, Faerber is part of a rich 124-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.

The Pacific Submarine Force maximizes the Navy’s strengths of knowledge, stealth, agility, firepower, and endurance.

“The men and women of the Pacific Submarine Force are among our best and brightest Americans,” said Rear Adm. Richard Seif, Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet. “The pace of activity across the force is eye-watering, and our ability to remain on-scene, unseen, is only possible due to their hard work and critical thinking. We are lethal, far-reaching, and incredibly capable, and we deter aggression through our demonstrated advantage in the undersea domain.”

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.

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

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Faerber has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I'm proud of seeing the people I’ve led grow and become leaders,” said Faerber. “I am also proud that I am going to retire soon. When you lead a division, they become family so seeing them succeed is a great feeling. Retiring is also a big accomplishment because the Navy can be hard at times and getting to this point is something prestigious that you earn. It feels good to be able to retire because it is not a point that everyone gets to.”

Faerber can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy gives me pride becuase I see how my soon looks up to me” said Faerber. "His view of the military and country is positive and he is by far the most patriotic 11-year-old."

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

“I want to thank my mom, Katrina Hill, for her encouragement and for always being someone I can talk to,” added Faerber. “I also want to thank my son, Ebin, for always believing in me. Lastly, I want to thank my friend Lyle Geller, for encouraging me and for lending an ear.”