Taylor Weihing takes part in unique Navy mission

ARCTIC CIRCLE — Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Taylor Weihing, son of Tab and Jackie Weihing, Huntington; recently took part in a unique Navy mission at the top of the world aboard one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered fast attack submarines, USS Hartford (SSN 768).
Taylor Weihing is a 2013 Emery High School graduate and serves as a sonar technician (submarine) aboard one of 40 Los Angeles-class submarines in the U.S. Navy.
USS Hartford is one of two U.S. submarines that participated in the Navy’s biennial Ice Exercise (ICEX) above the Arctic Circle. The ICEX is designed to give submarines an opportunity to train and maintain readiness in the unique, ice-covers waters of the Arctic Ocean.
As a sonar technician, Weihing listens to the sounds of the ocean and tracks all contacts for the submarine. When asked about his favorite part of his job, Weihing said, “I enjoyed traveling to all the foreign countries that I have seen so far.”
The Hartford Sailors who participated in ICEX transited 7,000 miles through icebergs and frigid water to reach the exercise location in the Beaufort Sea.
Navigating Arctic waters is no easy feat because of constant salinity and cold water changes and the ice above makes surfacing a complicated task.
During the five-week ICEX, participants conducted multiple Arctic transits, surfaced near the North Pole, collected scientific data and learned from multiple training evolutions.
The Sailors practiced key skills and tested new Navy technology, tactics and procedures that will ensure that not only Hartford can operate in the Arctic, but that other submarines and TTP developers in the force learn from their experience and feedback.
During the exercise, Weihing directly supported the safety of the ship by monitoring high frequency active returns from ice keels to safely navigate around them.
Hartford, with a crew of 142 Sailors, is 360-feet long and weighs approximately 6,900 tons.
A nuclear-powered propulsion system helps push the submarine through the water at nearly 30 mph.
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; carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare.
Submariners are some of the most highly-trained and skilled people in the Navy. The training is highly-technical and each crew has to be able to operate, maintain, and repair every system or piece of equipment on board.
Regardless of their specialty, everyone also has to learn how everything on the ship works and how to respond in emergencies to become “qualified in submarines” and earn the right to wear the coveted gold or silver dolphins on their uniform.
Weihing’s proudest accomplishment is his personal advancement in the Navy. He has military ties with family members who previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather on my mother’s side served in the Army during the Korean War,” he said.
When asked why he joined the military, Weihing said, “I joined to see new places and for on the job experience.
“I served for four years onboard USS Hartford and traveled twice to the North Pole during my time here,” said Weihing.
His goals include getting his degree in computer science and the purchase of his first home.
He and his wife, Samantha Jo Weihing, now reside in New London, Conn.