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A 2002 Greensburg Salem High School graduate and West Newton native is serving in the U.S. Navy at Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Hresko

Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Hresko is a fire control technician serving at the Kings Bay, Georgia-based command that supports Ohio-class ballistic and guided missile submarines.

A Navy fire control technician is responsible for maintenance of operation weapons systems and central computers for the ships.

“This is the kind of job you can only do on a submarine," said Hresko. "There are very few people in the world that share this kind of occupation, which makes it a very unique skill set."

The Navy’s ballistic missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as an undetectable launch platform for intercontinental ballistic missiles. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles if directed by the President. 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.

"We demand the highest standards from our Sailors - both professionally and personally," said Rear Adm. Randy Crites, Commander, Submarine Group Ten in Kings Bay, GA. "Petty Office Hresko's chain of command, family and our great nation take immense pride in his devotion and service to his country.”

Because of the stressful 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.

“Being on this shore duty gives me the chance to go home every night and spend time with my family,” Hresko said.

Although it is difficult for most people to imagine living on a submarine, challenging submarine living conditions actually build strong fellowship among the crew. The crews are highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Hresko and other Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.

“If you put in a strong effort no matter what you're doing, no matter how mundane the task, it's going to pay dividends in the end,” Hresko added.

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