U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rusty Pang
PEARL HARBOR –A North East, Maryland, native and 2009 North East High School graduate is serving at the U.S. Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific (NSTCP) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua Jenkins has served for eight years and works as a Navy fire control technician 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 fire control technician, Jenkins is responsible for the weapons and tracking systems onboard submarines.
Jenkins credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in North East.
“I learned from my prior employers and teachers that I did have a sense of hard work and had the chance to prove to myself and do something better," said Jenkins. "I always strived to be the best at what I was doing and this has shown in my present status in the Navy. I learned a lot from friends and family to rise to the position and accomplish whatever stands in front of me.”
“I learned from my prior employers and teachers that I did have a sense of hard work and had the chance to prove to myself and do something better," said Jenkins. "I always strived to be the best at what I was doing and this has shown in my present status in the Navy. I learned a lot from friends and family to rise to the position and accomplish whatever stands in front of me.”
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 Jenkins 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, Jenkins is most proud of earning his fifth Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal when he finished over five and-a-half-years onboard the USS Houston.
“Through all those years, I accomplished three Western Pacific deployments totaling 18 months of time, traveled all over the Pacific and led my division successfully during my time onboard," said Jenkins. "It was hard and demanding work but it was enjoyable with the sailors I served with. I will miss the crew of the USS Houston.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Jenkins, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Jenkins is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My two grandfathers served in the Army. The majority of my family did not serve but I did get a sense of pride from my grandfathers who did,” said Jenkins. “I joined the Navy because I wanted to do more and see more because my family helped me realize that I can do whatever I want. I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself.”
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, Jenkins and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I joined the Navy to get a free education and see the world but I have received so much more," added Jenkins. "I get to pursue high demanding tasks that requires teamwork to accomplish this task. I want to be better everyday and the Navy helps me do that. I have met so many people with different backgrounds that this has given me a new outlook on life and how to be better.”