By U.S. Navy Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth, Navy Office of
Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR - A 2012 Forest
Hills Eastern High School graduate and Grand
Rapids, Michigan native is serving in
the U.S. Navy aboard one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered fast
attack submarines, USS Cheyenne.
Petty
Officer 3rd Class Joshua Lemke
is an electronics technician, navigation
serving aboard the Pearl Harbor-based submarine, one of 40 Los Angeles-class
submarines making it the backbone of the submarine force.
A Navy electronics technician, navigation is
responsible for the safe navigation of the ship.
“This job
is about making sure we have all the charts,” said Lemke. “I also work as a
damage control petty officer, making sure all the gear used in an emergency is
ready.”
“The people I work with are fun, sometimes the workload is heavy. Guys with
a good sense of humor make it easier,” said Lemke.
With a crew of 130, this
submarine is 360 feet long and weighs approximately 6,900 tons. A
nuclear-powered propulsion system helps push the submarine through the water at
more than 25 mph.
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; carry out
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine
warfare. Their primary tactical advantage is stealth, operating undetected
under the sea for long periods of time.
“Submarine
sailors never cease to amaze me with their ability to complete complex missions
in the world’s most challenging environments,” said Rear Adm. Fritz Roegge,
Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “Continued U.S. undersea
superiority is not possible without their dedication, expertise and
professionalism.”
According
to Navy officials, because of the demanding environment aboard submarines,
personnel are accepted only after rigorous testing and observation. Submariners
are some of the most highly trained and skilled people in the Navy. The
training is highly technical and each crew has to be able to operate, maintain,
and repair every system or piece of equipment on board. Regardless of their specialty, everyone also
has to learn how everything on the ship works and how to respond in emergencies
to become “qualified in submarines” and earn the right to wear the coveted gold
or silver dolphins on their uniform.
“The people I
talk with from other boats are jealous of this boat,” said Lemke.
Challenging
submarine living conditions actually build strong fellowship among the elite crew,
Navy officials explained. The crews are
highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work,
watches, and drills.
“I owe it to
the country to do this. I’m proud to serve and continue the legacy of the Navy
submariner community,” added Lemke.