NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Cheyenne Deming, a native of St. Augustine, Florida, is one of the sailors serving aboard USS Pasadena, continuing the U.S. Navy’s 124-year tradition of service under the sea.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Troy Davis, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Deming graduated from Allen D. Nease High School in 2013.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in St. Augustine.
“St. Augustine is a very relaxed and down-to-earth place,” Deming said. “I have tried to bring that same culture to the Navy, especially when I see people getting stressed out.”
Deming joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Deming serves as a sonar technician (submarines).
“I joined the Navy because I tried college and didn't like it, and I needed something to do with my life,” Deming said. "I have no regrets about joining. I'm more than halfway to retirement. It’s been a good career so far."
Known as America’s “Apex Predators!,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically-advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).
Fast-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; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class SSN 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. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class SSBN 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 SSGN 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, Deming is part of a rich 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 U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Deming has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was finishing dive school,” Deming said. "It's a difficult school, but I love being in the water and I wanted to stand out."
Deming 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 have a way to take care of my family while learning valuable skills that will serve me well after I retire,” Deming said.
Deming is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“First and foremost, I want to thank my wife, Taylor, for being the rock of our family and for being an amazing mom to our two children,” Deming added. “I also want to thank my mom, Sherlyn, for raising me right and getting me ready for the real world because that made the transition into the Navy much easier for me.”