Photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Bill Steele
SILVERDALE, Wash. – A 2009 Hamilton High School graduate and Gilbert, Arizona, native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Commander, Submarine Group 9.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Pelkey, a yeoman, serves at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor in Washington, not far from Seattle.As a yeoman, Pelkey is responsible for handling all of the command's correspondence, including awards, evaluations, and transfer packages.
“I really enjoy the satisfaction of being able to help sailors when they need it,” Pelkey said. “I love the submarine community because we're very close. It's like a family, everyone has each other's back no matter what."
Pelkey draws from lessons learned growing up in Gilbert.
“I learned the value of a strong work ethic from multiple jobs growing up,” Pelkey said. "That, and the value of family, has helped me out in the Navy."
Subordinate to Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Submarine Group 9 exercises administrative command and control authority for assigned Ohio-class ballistic and guided missile submarines and subordinate commands and units in the Pacific Northwest.
Guided-missile submarines provide unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities
from a stealthy platform. Armed with tactical missiles and equipped with superior communications
capabilities, the submarine performs its mission with a much lower level of risk than what would
normally be experienced when deploying this level of capability from surface or air platforms.
"The men and women from across our nation who volunteer for military service embody the fundamental values of honor, courage and sacrifice that are the bedrock of our republic," said Rear Adm. Blake Converse, Commander, Submarine Group Nine. "They protect and defend America from above, below, and across the world's oceans. The entire nation should be extremely proud of the hard work that these sailors do every single day to support the critical mission of the Navy and the submarine force."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Pelkey and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy has given me a great opportunity to further my education,” Pelkey said. "I've also gotten to see some great places, and I've met a lot of people that I've made life-lasting friendships with."