U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rusty Pang
PEARL HARBOR –A Zuni, New Mexico, native and 2001 Zuni High School graduate is serving at the U.S. Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific (NSTCP) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Chief Petty Officer Kalani Eli has served for 15 years and works as a Navy machinist's mate (nuclear) 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 (nuclear), Eli is responsible for mechanical, nuclear and steam systems to provide propulsion for submarines, as a chief petty officer, he is responsible for mentoring and leading enlisted and junior officers and as an instructor, he is responsible for training sailors, providing them with technical subject matter expertise.
Eli credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Zuni.
“I grew up in a small community on the native American reservation of Zuni,” said Eli. “Teamwork, culture and networking were and still are traits I have learned and carry into my naval career.”
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 Eli 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, Eli is most proud of his family supporting his career in the Navy.
“I'm grateful for my wife, Sheri, and I our five children,” said Eli. “They have been committed to the military lifestyle and have provided me the support to be successful. The sub life is demanding, which is one of the reasons why I'm so proud of my wife.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Eli, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Eli is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father is a retired hull maintenance technician, my mother served for two years in the Navy, my uncle was a chief warrant officer and my wife's grandpa served in the Army,” said Eli. “Military ties run in my blood and with most native Americans. My dad's work ethic and commitment to family, job, Navy and country are the major influencers for me to enlist.”
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, Eli and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“People often forget the military service is a volunteer act,” added Eli. “I chose to serve due to excellent examples such as my father, who showcase commitment and willingness to defend this country. Serving is more than a job. We are preserving the rights of all people, building ties with foreign countries and securing peace. The Navy is also a big family.”