U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rusty Pang
PEARL HARBOR –A San Diego native and 2009 Juniper Serra High School graduate is serving at the U.S. Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific (NSTCP) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy Schrimpf has served for nine years and works as a Navy electronics technician (nuclear) and is serving within the U.S. Pacific Fleet area of operations. The U.S. Pacific Fleet is the world’s largest fleet command, encompassing 100 million square miles, nearly half the Earth’s surface, from Antarctica to the Arctic Circle and from the West Coast of the United States into the Indian Ocean.As a Navy electronics technician (nuclear), Schrimpf is responsible for maintenance operations and safety of the nuclear reactors onboard submarines. These reactors provide electricity and propulsion while keeping submarines as quiet as possible.
Schrimpf credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in San Diego.
“On mission or at home, life on a submarine can be very demanding," said Schrimpf. "San Diego's laid back vibe has taught me to keep a level head and stay calm in highly stressful situations.”
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
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.
Sailors learn engineering and tactical team training during their courses of instruction required to serve aboard submarines using the most advanced technology. Training is tailored to each ship’s specific needs to develop the skills and expertise required to support operations around the world in war and peace.
Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to in defense circles as the gateway to the Pacific, means Schrimpf is serving in a part of the world taking on a new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world's population, many of the world's largest and smallest economies, several of the world's largest militaries, and many U.S. allies. The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Schrimpf is most proud of reforming physics testing on the nuclear reactors on board his submarine, the USS Providence.
“Physics testing is a long several week-long, 24-7 testing proclaim where I coordinated with nuclear physics to learn more about nuclear reactor and the impact age and wear and tear on them and the realiability,” said Schrimpf.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Schrimpf, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Schrimpf is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father, grandfather and great grandfather served, but I am the first submariner to serve,” said Schrimpf. “I plan to continue the legacy of my family in the military. My family heritage greatly influenced me to join, as a legacy of servitude means a great deal to our family.”
According to Navy officials, supporting the high operational tempo and unique challenges of the submarine force builds strong fellowship and a strong sense of mission.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Schrimpf and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy brings forth a strong sense of heritage and tradition," added Schrimpf. "I am part of something larger than myself that is ultimately helping the greater good to keep us safe.”