GROTON, Conn. - Senior Chief Petty Officer Jusuf Jenkins, a native of Allendale, South Carolina, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Virginia, homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
As a submariner, Jenkins is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who serve under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Jenkins graduated from Allendale-Fairfax High School in 2015.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Allendale.
“I encourage and practice remaining humble,” Jenkins said. “You have to accept challenges to foster growth. Everyone makes mistakes, and you look a lot less foolish when you go into situations with a humble attitude instead of looking arrogant. I don’t know everything, and it ruffles fewer feathers if I go in with that humble attitude.”
Jenkins joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Jenkins serves as a yeoman (submarines) aboard USS Virginia, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine.
“I joined the Navy to see the world and to be financially independent,” Jenkins said. “My best friend was also joining, and we joined together. She’s working on making chief. My mom and dad served during Operation Desert Storm with the South Carolina National Guard. They were very supportive of my decision to serve.”
Known as America’s “Apex Predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security. A major component of that maritime security is homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut, known as the “Submarine Capital of the World.”
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines, ballistic-missile submarines and guided-missile submarines.
Fast-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; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.
The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S., replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.
Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each guided-missile submarine is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Jenkins is part of the rich 125-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Jenkins has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of my division onboard Virginia qualifying for ‘submarine warfare’ and making us a ‘Silver Dolphin Division,’” Jenkins said. “That means everyone in the division is fully qualified. They can all help fight casualties, and they understand the mechanics and the background of the ship. They can teach others. It doesn’t happen often. It’s a significant milestone on submarines because not everyone makes it on board. It’s pretty awesome.”
Jenkins serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I’ve had the pleasure of serving sailors, the community and my country proudly,” Jenkins said. “Serving in the Navy has allowed me to experience many challenges that have rewarded me and have inspired great personal growth.”
Jenkins is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Janelle, and my kids, who motivated me,” Jenkins added. “I also want to thank my parents, Charlie and Patricia, for raising me, and my hometown, Allendale, South Carolina, for instilling toughness and integrity in me.”