Oconto Falls man earns naval commission

Bartha serving as nuclear limited duty officer
By: 
Bryan Niegel
Special to NEW Media

An Oconto Falls native has earned his commission as a nuclear limited duty officer while serving aboard Commander, Submarine Squadron Fifteen.

Ensign Michael Bartha joined the U.S. Navy 10 years ago.

“I joined the Navy for the ability to be a part of something bigger, all while being able to travel and see the world,” said Bartha. “Getting experiences is really an adventure that I would not have gotten anywhere else.”

Growing up in Oconto Falls, Bartha graduated from Oconto Falls High School in 2009 and is a 2011 Northeast Wisconsin Technical College graduate, who majored in diesel and heavy equipment. Today, Bartha relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Oconto Falls to succeed in the military.

“Working on the farm growing up taught me a strong work ethic that I have used everyday in the Navy,” said Bartha. “That has helped me to succeed.”

These lessons have helped Bartha while serving in the Navy.

Commander, Submarine Squadron Fifteen is located at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam in Piti, Guam, and consists of four Los Angeles-class fast attack submarines. The squadron staff is responsible for providing training, material and personnel readiness support to these commands.

Known as America’s Apex Predators, the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically-advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.

There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN); ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN); and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).

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 mine warfare. The Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.

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. The Columbia-class SSBN will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S. — replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.

Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.

Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Bartha is part of a rich 122-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.

Serving in the Navy means Bartha is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The U.S. Navy’s submarine force is the force multiplier that is unmatched by any other nation on earth and gives us the edge both above and below the sea,” said Bartha.

With more than 90% of all trade traveling by sea, and 95% of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through underwater fiber optic, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Bartha and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“Joining the Navy as an enlisted sailor and then being selected to receive a commission as an officer in a highly competitive field is my proudest accomplishment,” said Bartha.

As Bartha and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“I like being a part of something bigger than myself and being around people with similar mindsets,” Bartha said.