Rocky Mount native leads Navy submarine squadron

BANGOR, Wash. — Capt. Keith Floyd, a native of Rocky Mount, serves the U.S. Navy as the commanding officer of Submarine Development Squadron 5 at Naval Base Kitsap, homeport of West Coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines.

Floyd graduated from Northern Nash High School in 1990. Additionally, Floyd earned a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from North Carolina State University in 1998 and a master’s in engineering management from Old Dominion University in 2005.

The squadron commander said the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Rocky Mount.

“Growing up, my parents taught me to treat people with dignity and respect and to say ‘Yes, ma’am,’ and ‘No, ma’am,’” said Floyd. “We were an average blue-collar family, and my parents taught me the value of hard work and that hard work can actually be fun. My mom pushed me to be a leader in my school and church and used to say, ‘If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for everything.’”

“In the Navy, when you go to boot camp, you meet people from all over the country, and other people may not have the same values, morals or principles and may attack a problem in a different way. I really think diversity in thought and experience builds a better team, because if everybody approaches or solves a problem the same way, your solutions will be limited. When you understand that you should treat people with respect, you start relationships on a better foot.”

Floyd joined the Navy 29 years ago. Today, Floyd serves as a submarine officer.

“I earned good grades in high school, but I didn’t try very hard,” said Floyd. “I wasn’t ready or disciplined enough to go to college right out of high school. I felt a calling to do something different than the ‘normal path.’ I learned about the Naval Nuclear Engineering Program and was surprised that it was available for me. I took a couple of aptitude tests and I was approved to join the Navy and its amazing nuclear engineering program.”

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, Floyd is part of a 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 United States’ prosperity is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people.

“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.”

Floyd has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“When I was serving on my first submarine as an enlisted nuclear electronics technician, my engineer, Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Kelly, called me into his office and literally ordered me to submit an application for an officer scholarship,” said Floyd. “He saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. With his prompting, I applied and was accepted for a Navy ROTC scholarship to North Carolina State University, where I majored in mechanical engineering. However, my greatest achievement in the Navy has been identifying enlisted sailors who have the potential to serve as officers in the world’s most powerful navy and leading them to submit officer applications.”

Floyd can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Naval service is the only adult job I’ve ever had,” said Floyd. “I didn’t know when I enlisted in 1990 that I would make the Navy a career. I joined to do something different; I stayed because I found a family and a home, and our country is definitely worth serving. Submarine life is not easy, but it is so rewarding. I enjoy the technical part of the job, but more importantly, I love the people, the camaraderie and our core values of honor, courage and commitment.”

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

“I’m grateful to my mom, Linda, and my late father, Edward,” added Floyd. “I want to thank them for instilling the Christian values, morals and principles that they did. I also want to thank my wife, Dr. Jennifer Floyd, for supporting and embarking on this lifelong adventure with me. I’m also thankful for my mother-in-law, Diane Whitehead, for the love and support she gives our family, especially when I’m not there.”

The post Rocky Mount native leads Navy submarine squadron first appeared on Restoration NewsMedia .