Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class
Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach
JASON WAITE
Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class,
U.S. Navy Office of Community Outreach
PEARL HARBOR – Submariners make up only 10 percent of the U.S. Navy’s personnel, but they play a critical role in carrying out one of the Defense Department’s most important missions: strategic deterrence.
Lt. j.g. Matthew Ziegelbauer, a native of Vienna, is one of the sailors continuing a 123-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Ziegelbauer joined the Navy two years ago and today serves as a main propulsion assistant aboard USS Hawaii (SSN 776).
“I joined the Navy because I decided that I wanted to do something more than your typical office job, but was still engineering heavy,” Ziegelbauer said. “Submarines also give me the opportunity to operate at the “Tip of the Spear,” with respect to the military and national security.”
Growing up in Vienna, Ziegelbauer attended James Madison High School, graduating in 2017, then earned a degree from the University of Virginia.
Skills and values similar to those found in Vienna are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“Growing up playing sports and having a lot of extracurricular activities taught me that times can be hard,” said Ziegelbauer. “But finding someone to go through it with you and push you is a huge help during those times. A little friendly competition goes a long way.”
There are three basic types of U.S. Navy submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).
Fast-attack submarines, like the USS Hawaii, 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.
“Our mission remains timeless – to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
As a member of the submarine force, Ziegelbauer is part of a rich history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in defense of America and its allies.
“U.S. Navy vessels at sea ensure and maintain freedom of navigation all around the world,” he said. “Our forces play a vital role in strategic deterrence.”
As Ziegelbauer and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country.
“I enjoy every aspect of serving in the Navy,” said Ziegelbauer. “It has given me the opportunity to work with many intelligent, motivated and resilient individuals towards common goals.”
Ziegelbauer said he is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my youth-football coach, Todd Casey, for helping me develop my character and influencing me into becoming the man that I am today,” he said.
