Paul J. Hoitt – U.S. Navy Submariner 1976-92

Paul Hiatt served in the U.S. Navy submarine service from 1976. He advanced rapidly through ranks, eventually becoming Chief of the Boat (senior enlisted advisor) on the USS Pittsburgh during Desert Storm. During his time in the Navy Pasul served aboard the USS Will Rogers, USS DACE, USS John C. Calhoun, USS Lipscomb, USS Narwhal, USS Pennsylvania and USS Pittsburgh. “During the Cold War, we were very aggressive to track Soviet submarines. Cat and mouse all the time. But going to the North Pole being able to navigate under the ice is phenomenal. and breaking through the ice, we can break through 10 feet of ice.” - Paul J. Hoitt

Paul served for approximately 16 years at sea with 8 years literally underwater. “I never felt that I was going to lose my life in any of the submarines that I've ever served on by virtue of just the crew, but also the vessel. It's a very, very well maintained, it's a safe environment. I feel safer in it then I do in my car sometimes.” - Paul J. Hoitt