U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rusty Pang
PEARL HARBOR –A San Bernardino, California, native and 2009 San Bernardino High School graduate is serving at the U.S. Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific (NSTCP) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathon Beattie has served for eight years and works as a Navy machinist's mate (weapons) 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 machinist's mate (weapons), Beattie is responsible for all ordnance, ammunition, small arms as well as ensuring all weapons systems are in proper working order.
Beattie credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in San Bernardino.
“I learned that hard work and drive will get you through most things in life,” said Beattie. “If you just stay stagnant in San Bernardino and don't have any drive to get out there and put yourself to work, you won't go very far. No one is going to hold your hand to help you succeed in life.”
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 Beattie 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, Beattie is most proud of advancing to the rank of petty officer first class.
“I'm most proud of this accomplishment because I showed up to my first command as an E-1 and left the submarine as an E-6,” said Beattie. “Through a lot of hard work and determination, I was able to lead a division through a deployment with no major issues.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Beattie, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Beattie is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My great pop pop, grandfather and father all served in the military,” said Beattie. “My dad was my biggest influence to join the Navy. He told me to join a branch where I can learn a skill I could take into the civilian world.”
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, Beattie 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 a lot me because it gives me the ability to do things I never thought I would ever do,” added Beattie. “It has established a drive and pride to accomplish tasks and given me the mindset that anything can be accomplished with enough hard work.”