Submarine Electronics

A nuclear-powered submarine is one of the U.S. Navy’s most powerful tools – and it’s useless without someone to operate and maintain its sonar, communications, navigation and weapons systems.

The most secretive of Navy vessels, a submarine requires a select community of specially trained professionals to operate its classified, highly advanced hardware and keep it all fully operational. The Sailors in the Submarine Electronics Computer Field (SECF) work with a submarine’s sonar, weapons, communications and navigation systems. The training is rigorous, and the career opportunities are equally impressive.

Fire Control Technician (FT)
FTs operate, test and maintain submarine combat control systems. They participate in weapons handling functions and operate and maintain non-tactical computer systems and peripherals. They are responsible for a huge array of weapons, which may include torpedoes, Tomahawk® cruise missiles and even nuclear ballistic missiles capable of reaching anywhere in the world.

Sonar Technician, Submarine (STS)
STSs specialize in underwater acoustic technologies. They operate a submarine’s sonar, oceanographic equipment, and auxiliary sonar to conduct underwater surveillance, collect scientific data and track enemy targets. They also perform maintenance on the highly sensitive, highly classified sonar hardware.

Electronics Technician (ET/RF AND ET/NAV)
ETs focus on installing, administering and maintaining onboard communications and navigations systems. ET/RFs work with and maintain submarine radio communication equipment, systems and programs (including submarine LAN systems). ET/NAVs specialize in submarine navigation and radio equipment, systems and programs.