Rear Admiral (Select) Michael Jabaley (U.S. Navy Photo)
You have a long, distinguished military career. Tell us a little about your background.
After graduating from Murrah High School in 1980, I attended Vanderbilt University and majored in math and computer science. While there, I received a letter from the Navy saying I had the academic credentials to apply for the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program. I applied, was accepted and went to Officer Candidate School following my graduation from Vanderbilt in 1984. That began a 22-year operational career in submarines. I've served on four different submarines, including command of USS Louisville (SSN 724), home ported in Pearl Harbor. I transitioned to the Navy's acquisition corps, which represents the business side of the Navy, after completing my command tour on Louisville. As part of the acquisition corps, I now serve as the program manager for Virginia-class submarines, managing a $92 billion program to deliver the newest attack submarines to the U.S. Navy.
You commanded the USS Louisville, which participated in the Iraq war. How is commanding a submarine different from other naval commands? What was it like?
There are extended periods when a submarine operates independently and not in constant communication with the rest of the naval forces in the chain of command. A submarine commanding officer has to be able to make tactical decisions based on the guidance of the chain of command while having the autonomy and authority to do so within the boundaries of the guidance. This represents a tremendous amount of authority and responsibility that leads to great job satisfaction. The most exciting part of commanding Louisville was participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom, where we launched 16 Tomahawk missiles from the Red Sea during the opening days of that engagement. This represented the culmination of years of training; to see the crew perform flawlessly was particularly rewarding.
What do you remember most about Murrah and what impact did it have on you in your career?
First, I played on the school's soccer team as a fullback, and a goalie for a year. Both years we won the city championship, and my junior year we went to the state finals. Being part of a team and achieving success over the course of the season, and watching us grow and develop as a team was a great experience. I've used that experience in team-building throughout my naval career, whether it's at a command or staff. Second, I had some great teachers. I was fortunate to learn mathematics from Ms. Pauline Tramel and science from Ms. Pauline Carter. Both of them inspired me to pursue a career that is heavily dependent on technology. Because of their influence, I majored in math and computer science in college and have continued working in a very technical field. I was lucky to have them as teachers and remember them to this day.
You are scheduled to visit Jackson this week. What is the purpose of your visit?
I'm here as part of a Navy outreach program with two purposes. First to ensure the citizens of Jackson and the state of Mississippi understand why we have a Navy and why we need a Navy. Second, to help begin the commemoration of the War of 1812. Many of the war's major battles were fought on the sea. It's where we made our mark as a Navy and set the course that continues to this day. The Navy's importance in protection of the global commons, freedom of access to the seas, is what enables our way of life. Many people don't realize that 70 percent of the world is covered by water, 80 percent of the world's population lives near the water, and 90 percent of the world's commerce travels by water. In order for that to continue, you need a 100 percent strong Navy on watch at all times, and that's what we provide.
Tell us about the new Virginia-class sub and its mission?
The Virginia-class represents the Navy's newest attack submarine. The mission of the submarine is to provide continuous presence wherever ordered to across the globe and serve as a premier weapon of anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, tomahawk missile strike warfare and operate in contested waters. The stealth of the submarine makes it the original stealth weapon and we're also optimized to operate in littoral waters and to support special operations forces.
ell us about the USS Mississippi (SSN 782), which will be commissioned soon.
The Mississippi is the ninth submarine of the Virginia class. Submarine construction began in 2007, and it will deliver in May of this year. This represents the fastest time we've been able to build one of these ships and a mark of the continued improvement of the shipbuilders General Dynamics' Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries' Newport News Shipbuilding. The ship will be commissioned June 2nd in Pascagoula. Afterwards, it'll rapidly become one of the most capable warships in our nation's inventory.
What is the history of past USS Mississippis?
Commissioning of this ship, USS Mississippi (SSN 782), will restore the proud name of the state to the naval inventory for the first time since 1997. There have been four previous Mississippis - a side-wheel steamer, two battleships and a nuclear-powered cruiser.
Tell us about the mission of the Navy and how it fits in the president's new security strategy.
Naval forces must be capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas. The president's new national security strategy focuses on a future with a smaller, leaner force that is agile, flexible, ready and technologically advanced. The military will focus on a global presence in the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East while ensuring we maintain our commitments to Europe and preserves the Department of Defense's ability to conduct missions to protect core national interests, such as defeating al-Qaida, deterring aggression by adversaries, countering weapons of mass destruction, effectively operating in cyberspace and protecting the homeland.
Who has most influenced you in your career?
In addition to the two teachers from Murrah High School, my father, Dr. Michael Jabaley, who this year winds down an incredibly distinguished career of nearly 60 years. In the Navy, Admiral Henry G. Chiles, Jr.
What would you tell some young person considering a career in the Navy?
The Navy is on the forefront of technology development, using some of the most advanced technology in the world. You will go places, see and do things that you would have never dreamed of. You are part of the world's finest Navy, guarantor of free access to the seas, not only for our country but others around the world.
Anything to add?
It's great to be back in Jackson.
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