U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rusty Pang
PEARL HARBOR –A Hayward, California, native and 2010 American High School graduate is serving at the U.S. Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific (NSTCP) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Petty Officer 1st Class Desilvyr Hines has served for six years and works as a Navy electronics technician (navigation) 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 (navigation), Hines is responsible for submarine navigation, surfaced and submerged, the maintenance and repair on all navigation equipment, interior electrical systems and interior communication systems.
Hines credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Hayward.
“The most valuable lessons I have learned from my hometown family and friends is one of humbleness, hard work, humility and execution without complaint,” said Hines.
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 Hines 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, Hines is most proud of succesffuly completing two western Pacific deployments.
“I'm proud of these deployments because I played a role in completing and personally playing a part in helping navigate the ship through more than 100,000 nautical miles,” said Hines. “Personal awards and achievements are great, but I try not to put too much stock into them. The Navy is your team, the boat is your family.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Hines, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Hines is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My grandfather was in the Army during the Vietnam War,” said Hines. “The real influencer was me wanting to make a new path in my life and start a new career.”
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, Hines 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 means I am a part of a team that the country and countless others depend on and I have an important role that’s vital to national security and my other shipmates around me,” added Hines.