October 23, 2021

By Alvin Plexico
Navy Office of Community Outreach

A Raytown, Missouri, native is serving aboard USS Nebraska, one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Dramusis Haggett serves as a culinary specialist and joined the Navy to go to college using the G.I. bill.

Haggett attended Raytown High School and graduated in 2017. Today, Haggett uses skills and values similar to those found in Raytown.

“Your word is your bond,” said Haggett. “This is a lesson I learned from my father that really stuck with me. When you say you’re going to do something, you need to follow through until it’s done.”

These lessons have helped Haggett while serving aboard USS Nebraska.

Known as America’s “Silent Service,” 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.

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 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.

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. As a member of the submarine force, Haggett is part of a rich 121-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.

Serving in the Navy means Haggett is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“As submariners, we contribute to national security by ensuring that if anyone were to attack us, we would be able to respond,” said Haggett. “We’re the largest seapower in the world.”

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through underwater fiber optic, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, and for decades Naval Submarine Base Bangor has been home to Ohio Class ballistic-missile submarines. Beginning in 2028, the new Columbia Class ballistic-missile submarines will arrive and provide continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.

Haggett and other sailors have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service. Haggett is most proud of earning a Navy Achievement Medal.

“I earned the NAM for being in charge of all the inventory of food stores during our last deterrent patrol,” said Haggett.

As Haggett and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions to support national defense, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy is an opportunity to meet people from all different kinds of backgrounds, and form lasting relationships with them,” added Haggett.