Fargo Native Serves as Commanding Officer Aboard USS Albany

 

A Fargo, North Dakota native, CMDR Mathias Vorachek, is currently serving as the commanding officer aboard the USS Albany (SSN 753), stationed in Norfolk, Va.

As the commanding officer of a nuclear-powered, fast-attack submarine, Vorachek’s primary duty is meeting the Navy’s mission by providing a strong team for sustained combat operations at sea to permit operational, deterrent and combat effects that the Navy and the Nation could not otherwise achieve.

“I lead a family of highly talented individuals from all walks of life who have come together as a team to operate one of the most complicated machines in our military,” he said.

Vorachek tirelessly works to promote crew cohesion and make junior officers and Sailors into warfighting agents capable of operating, maintaining and making decisions on board one of the most complicated machines in the U.S. military.

“I am responsible for ensuring each of my officers and Sailors live and operate in an environment that instills trust in the decisions we make and confidence in our ability to operate a submarine in the challenging environment beneath the sea.”

Vorachek joined the Navy to carry on the family legacy of military service; his grandfather and two uncles having served in the Navy and one uncle in the Army, he had many great influences in his life. Also, by joining the Navy, he was able to use the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program to ensure his college degree was paid for without debt.

Vorachek said his proudest achievement aboard the USS Albany has been building her up to go back out to sea from an overhaul in the shipyard and seeing the maturation of the officers and Sailors as the crew continuously builds confidence operating the submarine while at sea.
“I most enjoy seeing the ‘ah ha’ moment on people’s faces when they fully understand and appreciate the amount of talent they possess as an individual. I take great pride in developing junior Sailors, some fresh out of high school, into confident decision makers and technically proficient operators.”

His continued service is dedicated to his loving family, his wife and two children, who support him from home when he is away on deployments.
“Without them and their support, I would not have been able to continue this career of service. They provide a sense of purpose and help answer the question, ‘why do I serve?’”

The Albany is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, delivery of special operation forces, strike warfare, irregular warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and mine warfare. It’s 362 feet long and 33 feet wide, powered by a nuclear reactor to push the boat through the water at speeds of more than 20 knots while submerged.

Story provided by The Navy Office of Community Outreach