Norofolk, Va. – A Grand Prairie, Texas native, Logistic’s Specialist (Submarine) 3rd Class Marcelain Ekutshu, is currently serving aboard one of the newest fast-attack submarines in the United States Navy Submarine Force, USS Indiana (SSN 789).
Ekutshu, a storekeeper and a financial clerk for the crew of USS Indiana, supplies parts, supports evolutions, stands the sonar watch and is part of the submarine’s security force while in port.
“I love helping divisions get their jobs done by procuring the parts and supplies they need to accomplish their tasks,” Ekutshu said. “When everyone has what they need to get their work done, I know I’ve accomplished my mission.”
He joined the Navy for new and exciting experiences and to find a career path. He is grateful for all of the opportunities that the Navy has provided and the camaraderie of the submarine force.
“My proudest accomplishment was taking the ship out to sea for the first time in its life,” Ekutshu said. “It was a moment of pride when the commanding officer gave the order to dive the boat, we were ready.”
USS Indiana is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, delivery of special operation forces, strike warfare, irregular warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and mine warfare, It’s 377 feet long and 34 feet wide and weighs nearly 7,800 tons, powered by a nuclear reactor to push the boat through the water at speeds of more than 25 knots while submerged.
As the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in the world, the submarine can operate in both littoral and deep ocean environments and presents combatant commanders with a broad and unique range of operational capabilities.