U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rusty Pang
PEARL HARBOR –A Spokane, Washington, native and 2007 Riverside High School graduate is serving at the U.S. Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific (NSTCP) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
As a Navy hospital corpsman, Fairbanks is responsible for the health and well-being of sailors, Marines and their families, whether treating them in a medical facility or on the battlefield.
Fairbanks credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Spokane.
“Growing up in my hometown, I learned to be polite and courteous to others and always be willing to help those in need,” said Fairbanks.
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 Fairbanks 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, Fairbanks is most proud of earning the Fleet Marine Force warfare qualification while earning the respect of Marines.
“I’m most proud of being able to effectively do my job as a Fleet Marine Force corpsman while being deployed with the Marines in combat and returning home to my family after three deployments,” said Fairbanks.
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, Fairbanks and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“God gave me a gift and he gave me the ability to serve my country,” added Fairbanks. “Serving in the Navy means making a difference in our country and fighting for freedoms given to me by those who fought before me, but most importantly, for me, serving is the path that God set out for me and my service and faith combined means that I am being obedient to my savior. There is no better feeling or accomplishment than that.”