SANTA RITA, Guam - A 2013 Raritan High School graduate and Hazlet, New Jersey, native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of an integrated crew of Sailors and Civilian Mariners working aboard the expeditionary submarine tender, USS Emory S. Land.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Peter Doyle serves in Guam as part of a forward deployed naval force in the Pacific.
He is responsible for being the ship's small arms expert instructing sailors in the proper use of firearms.
“I enjoy the ability to teach others about the safe way to use weapons,” said Doyle.
“Guam Sailors are located at our nation’s most strategically important forward-deployed submarine base, and the missions they conduct at the tip of the spear are incredible,” said Capt. David Schappert, Commander, Submarine Squadron 15. “They are constantly challenged and continually rise to meet and exceed expectations. Guam is the place to be for submariners, and we have the ‘Go Guam!’ initiative to showcase all the great things we do out here.”
With a crew of 41 officers and 650 enlisted, submarine tenders are 649 feet long and weigh approximately 23,347 tons. A steam-powered propulsion system helps push submarine tenders through the water at nearly 18 knots (21 mph).
“The Sailors aboard Emory S. Land continue to exceed all expectations while supporting submarines and surface ships in the 5th and 7th Fleet area of operations,” said Capt. Mark Prokopius, commanding officer of USS Emory S. Land. “Their hard work and professionalism makes me proud of each and every one of them.”
Sailors aboard submarine tenders support deployed submarines as well as surface combatant ships.
"These Sailors continue to impress me with the level of effort and expertise they put into successfully completing their mission day-in and day-out," Rear Adm. Frederick Roegge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, said. "Their actions and dedication to service enables the Submarine Force to be dominant in the undersea domain."
“I enjoy the tropical location and the beautiful beaches,” said Doyle.
The integrated crew of sailors and civilian mariners builds a strong fellowship while working alongside each other, Doyle explained. The crews are highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills.
“I get to carry on a family tradition. My brother and uncle were both in the Navy. I am proud to defend the country,” Doyle added.