Atmore Native Defends America From Under The Sea

September 20, 2026

Seaman Tyanthony Dailey, a native of Atmore is one of the sailors serving aboard Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Kentucky, continuing the U.S. Navy’s 126-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.

Dailey graduated from Escambia County High School in 2023.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Atmore.

“Growing up in Atmore, it’s a small town; everyone knew each other,” Dailey said. “It helped me get started. I talked to a lot of people who supported me with real examples of military life. Coach G (Gonzalez), my wrestling coach, helped build my toughness. I was in wrestling and football, and he helped me get to state championships. Also, my mom helped me a lot. She brought us up by herself and took care of us. She taught me the importance of independence, and that has helped me in my career so far.”

Dailey joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Dailey serves as a yeoman (submarine).

“I joined to do something different,” Dailey said. “Everyone around me was going to college. That wasn’t really my thing. I always saw submarines in the movies and thought, I can do that! I wanted to be an information systems technician, but there was an opportunity to start my Navy journey quickly by taking the yeoman rate, so I signed up.”

As a submariner, Dailey is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who volunteer to serve under the sea.

Known as America’s “Apex Predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world to deter aggression and defend the U.S. homeland. A major component of that maritime security is homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor.

There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines, ballistic-missile submarines and guided-missile submarines.

Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; support special operations missions; conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine is the most advanced submarine in the world today. 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. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines 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 guided-missile submarine 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, Dailey is part of a rich 126-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.

The Pacific Submarine Force provides strategic deterrence, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, precision land strike, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, early warning and special warfare capabilities around the globe.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Dailey has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment so far is becoming senior in rate and earning my dolphins (submariner qualification),” Dailey said. “That’s a big one because it’s so challenging. Learning each system on the boat and being a competent sailor is important. A lot of people depend on me to do my job. Driving a nuclear submarine is another big accomplishment and a huge responsibility.”

Dailey serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy means I’m doing something that most people wouldn’t do,” Dailey said. “It’s different than everyone else. I could be doing anything from shooting missiles, evading torpedoes or a number of other things. It’s a great job. If someone had the chance to serve four years, they should at least try. If asked what I did for my country, I can be proud to talk about what I’ve done in the Navy.”

Dailey is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I’d like to thank my mom,” Dailey said. “She has helped me every step of the way with everything from cars to owning a home. She helped me grow up. My brother joined the Navy, too. We talk all the time and help each other. My wife has been amazing. She has loved and supported me the entire time and always has my back.”

Dailey said he’s thankful for the education opportunities that service in the Navy provides.

“I plan to go to college using Tuition Assistance, which will help me in my career and post-Navy life,” Dailey said.

written by Lt. Cmdr. Michelle Tucker

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FRONT FEATURE