Fostoria native serves US under the sea

KINGS BAY, Georgia — As a submariner, Fostoria native Cameron Matz is part of a small percentage of U.S. Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the ocean's surface. Petty Officer Second Class Matz is assigned to the USS Alaska, homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. Matz graduated from Bethel High School in Hampton, Virginia, in 2013 and attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fostoria. "My hometown taught me the value of hard work," Matz said. "As a kid, I ran my own lawnmowing business, and I learned that if you start something, you finish it. In the Navy, when you start something, it is very important that you see it through." Matz joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Matz serves an information systems technician (electronic welfare). "I joined the Navy to further my career," he said. "I knew the Navy provided opportunities that I couldn't get anywhere else. My family is also Navy, so I understood the benefits I could obtain." Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is the homeport of East Coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines. These submarines are capable of conducting operations in the Atlantic, Arctic, Eastern Pacific and Indian oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. It is also the only Navy base with the capability to support the Trident II missile, the most sophisticated nuclear missile designed to be launched from a submarine. The Navy's submarine force, collectively known as America's "Apex Predators," operates a large fleet of technologically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world. The three basic types of submarines are: 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, carry and deliver Navy SEALs, conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and engage in mind 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 strike and special-operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles and a compliment of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four tubes.Strategic deterrence is the nation's ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Matz serves aboard a platform capable of taking the fight to enemies. "America is a maritime nation, and for 250 years America's Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom," said officials of the Navy. With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiberoptic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across America. Matz has many opportunities for accomplishment during his military service. "My proudest accomplishment is making rank," he said. "Achieving (non-commissioned officer) in just a year and a half is a significant milestone, and I'm quite proud of that accomplishment." He is also looking forward to what's ahead. "Serving in the Navy, to me, is protecting our country," Matz said. "Being on a submarine, our role as nuclear deterrents is critical. It gives me a deep sense of satisfaction knowing I'm directly protecting everyone back home." Matz said he's grateful to others for helping him in his military pursuit. "I want to thank my family," he said. "A huge thank-you goes out to my dad, Kenneth Matz, and my mom, Michelle Bostic. Also, my stepdad, Yeoman Chief Michael Bostic, and Information Systems Technician Senior Chief Paul Lipsey II. All of them have consistently supported me and pushed me to improve every single day."