By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
GROTON, Conn. — Petty Officer 3rd Class Hanna Chrismon, a Blythewood High School graduate and former Columbia resident, is making waves in the U.S. Navy as part of Submarine Readiness Squadron (SRS) 32 at Naval Submarine Base New London.
As an information systems technician (network), Chrismon serves in one of the Navy’s most exclusive communities — the submarine force. “I have several generations who served in the military, starting with the Navy, and I felt a calling to follow in their footsteps,” she said. “My mother is currently serving in the Army Reserve as a major, and she had an influence on me joining the military as well.”
Chrismon joined the Navy two years ago and has already achieved milestones, including completing Information Warfare Training Command “A” School, graduating from Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) school, and advancing to petty officer third class.
Her work with SRS 32 supports operational submarines, pre-commissioning crews, and maintenance units — all part of America’s highly advanced submarine fleet, often called the “Apex Predators” of the sea. These vessels conduct missions worldwide to protect national security and safeguard vital undersea communication lines.
For Chrismon, the role is more than a job — it’s a source of pride. “Serving in the Navy means making my siblings and my parents, Christopher Chrismon and Jennifer Pippinger, proud of me,” she said. “It also means being the coolest sister.”
She credits mentors and family for her success, including Information Systems Technician 1st Class Cochran, one of her instructors. “He pushed me and helped me understand the material, even when it didn’t click at first,” Chrismon said.
This year, the Navy celebrates its 250th birthday, marking a tradition of protecting freedom at sea. Chrismon is proud to be part of that history — and to represent Columbia wherever duty calls.
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green,
Navy Office of Community Outreach