Niles native leads new Navy training that informs, inspires submariners

MAGNA, Utah — A Niles native played a key role in a naval training event that gave sailors a rare opportunity to peek behind the curtain of the development of the nation’s sea-based nuclear deterrent.

According to a news release, Chief Petty Officer Taylor Phillips, a missile technician and fleet liaison for the Program Management Office, assisted with a Reverse Strategic Weapons System Week from Aug. 17-21. The program brought six handpicked Sailors from ballistic missile submarine crews to Magna, Utah, to see first-hand how the Trident II D5 rocket motors are created.

Phillips, a Niles native, helped organize the event to reinforce the Sailors’ critical role in national defense and recognize their hard work.

“The job is not easy by any means, and we need the best Sailors to perform it,” Phillips said. “We are the tip of the spear protecting families across the country, and I cannot think of a better reason to do something, knowing I am adding a stitch every day to the blanket of freedom my friends and family sleep soundly under each and every night.”  

The Reverse SWS Week aims to build confidence for the Sailors who operate the weapon system by allowing them to see the rigorous process behind the missiles they maintain.

Missile technicians serve primarily on ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). They receive extensive training in the operation and maintenance of the advanced electronic equipment, computers, and electromechanical support systems of the strategic weapons systems.

“Of all the jobs in the Navy a missile technician is the one where everyone hopes we never actually have to do our mission [of launching a missile,], but the level we train to be to be able to execute that mission at a moment’s notice is amazing,” Phillips said.

Petty Officer Second Class William Pulley explained that MTs are responsible for maintaining the entire strategic weapons system aboard the submarine.

“We do a lot of work with the hydraulic systems, hydro pressure, nitrogen and air, and missile tube heating and cooling, as well as a lot of nuclear weapons security, which is another facet,” Pulley said.

Phillips shared that his decision to join the Navy was influenced by his uncle, who served in the Navy. 

“I grew up in a small town where there were not a lot of opportunities outside of going to college or working in a factory, and neither of those sounded appealing to me,” said Phillips. “My uncle was in the Navy, and I remember him talking to me about it when I decided I wanted to join. I always looked up to him growing up, and he was a massive influence on most of the important things in my life.”

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