U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rusty Pang
PEARL HARBOR –A Gainesville, Florida, native and 2006 Monsignor Edward Pace High School graduate is serving at the U.S. Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific (NSTCP) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Lt. Andres Caicedo as served for 10 years and works as a Navy submarine officer 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 submarine officer, Caicedo s responsible for an enormous spectrum of duties.
"We must dedicate the first year onboard to thoroughly understand the nuclear power plant as well as the remainder of the components on the submarine," said Caicedo. "This takes a lot of time and research as a submarine is an extremely complex machine with a number of parts comparable to that of a space shuttle. We earn our Gold Dolphins by demonstrating commanding knowledge and presence in the engine room and the control room. The remainder of our three years onboard, we continue to strengthen our knowledge and skills about submarine operations while working as division officers."
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 Caicedo 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, Caicdeo is most proud of earning a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in 2016 for working in multiple areas during a six month Western Pacific deployment.
“I am proud of my ability to meet the goals and be recognized for them,” said Caicedo.
Caicedo credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Gainesville.
“Personable traits are valuable in any professional environment," said Caicedo. "Most of my upbringing prepared me for working around others in a positive and professional manner.”
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 Caicedo 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, Caicdeo is most proud of earning a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in 2016 for working in multiple areas during a six month Western Pacific deployment.
“I am proud of my ability to meet the goals and be recognized for them,” said Caicedo.
Caicedo credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Gainesville.
“Personable traits are valuable in any professional environment," said Caicedo. "Most of my upbringing prepared me for working around others in a positive and professional manner.”
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, Caicedo and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I am an immigrant from Columbia," added Caicedo. "The United States has given me and my family amazing opportunities since I was four. I feel privileged to serve my country while in the Navy.”