U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rusty K. Pang
PEARL HARBOR – Two San Diego natives are serving at the U.S. Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific (NSTCP) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy Schrimpf, a 2009 Juniper Serra High School graduate, has served for nine years and works as a Navy electronics technician (nuclear) while Chief Petty Officer Daniel Passmore, a 2001 Patrick Henry High School, has served for 13 years and works as a Navy machinist's mate (nuclear).
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| Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy Schrimpf |
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| Chief Petty Officer Daniel Passmore |
As a Navy electronics technician (nuclear), Schrimpf is responsible for maintenance operations and safety of the nuclear reactors onboard submarines. These reactors provide electricity and propulsion while keeping submarines as quiet as possible.
As a Navy machinist's mate (nuclear), Passmore is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the reactor plant, steam plant, and auxiliary mechanical systems in a submarine engine room.
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.
Schrimpf and Passmore both credit their success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in San Diego.
“On mission or at home, life on a submarine can be very demanding," said Schrimpf. "San Diego's laid back vibe has taught me to keep a level head and stay calm in highly stressful situations.”
“Work ethic and accountability was instilled in me by my parents at a young age," said Passmore. "It was the foundation by which my naval career was built on.”
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 Schrimpf 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, Schrimpf is most proud of reforming physics testing on the nuclear reactors on board his submarine, the USS Providence.
“Physics testing is a several week-long, 24-7 testing proclaim where I coordinated with nuclear physics to learn more about nuclear reactor and the impact age and wear and tear on them and the realiability,” said Schrimpf.
Passmore is most proud of earning his 'dolphins' and 'anchors.'
“Having my father pin my anchors on was a very proud moment in my naval career,” said Passmore.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Schrimpf and Passmore, who both have military ties with family members who have previously served. They are honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father, grandfather and great grandfather served, but I am the first submariner to serve,” said Schrimpf. “I plan to continue the legacy of my family in the military. My family heritage greatly influenced me to join, as a legacy of servitude means a great deal to our family.”
“My father’s father was an eye surgeon in the Army and retired as a colonel. My mother’s father was a fighter pilot in the Navy during WWII,” said Passmore. “I am continuing the legacy and chose Navy. Go Navy! Beat Army!”
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, Schrimpf, Passmore 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 brings forth a strong sense of heritage and tradition," said Schrimpf. "I am part of something larger than myself that is ultimately helping the greater good to keep us safe.”
“There is a quote that stands to me when reflecting on what it means to do what I do: people sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf,” added Passmore.