Diamond Kyles
SILVERDALE, Wa. – Lt. j.g. Teddy Danielson, a native of St. Leonard, Maryland, is one of the sailors serving aboard USS Henry M. Jackson, continuing the U.S. Navy’s 126-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Danielson graduated from Calvert High School in 2018. Additionally, Danielson earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Montana State University in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in St. Leonard.
“I was a Boy Scout growing up, and one of the biggest things I learned is that when you’re in a position of leadership, your job is to serve the people you lead,” Danielson said. “It’s your job to help them achieve their goals and make their quality of life better.”
Danielson joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Danielson serves as an assistant weapons officer.
“Serving in the military was the family business,” Danielson said. “My father and grandfather both served, so it was the natural thing to do. They were both pilots. I’m the first to go submarines. I wanted to learn nuclear power and get hands-on experience working on nuclear reactors.”
As a submariner, Danielson is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who volunteer to serve under the sea.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world to deter aggression and defend the U.S. homeland. A major component of that maritime security is homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor.
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines, ballistic-missile submarines and guided-missile submarines.
Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; support special operations missions; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine 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. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines 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 guided-missile submarine 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, Danielson is part of a rich 126-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 provides strategic deterrence, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, precision land strike, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, early warning and special warfare capabilities around the globe.
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.
Danielson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is definitely qualifying as a nuclear engineering officer,” Danielson said. “It was a two-month course, all self-study, on how to operate the plant. It’s the pinnacle of the Navy’s training for nuclear officers. We have to have a full year of training before we can even go to the submarine. It takes a long time to get there, and it’s the last big thing a junior submarine officer has to qualify in.”
Danielson serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“For me, it means a lot to be part of a large organization that’s been around for hundreds of years and to be part of that history,” Danielson said. “I read a lot of naval history with names like John Paul Jones, Chester Nimitz, Hyman Rickover and David Farragut, and there are some days when I stop and recognize that I serve in the same Navy that they did.”
Danielson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom and my dad, Cheryl and Jeff, for inspiring me and supporting me along the way,” Danielson said. “I also want to thank all my family and friends who also served in the military. They’ve asked about me and inquired and encouraged me along the way.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. For more information, visit: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/