MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Chief Petty Officer Michael Gasper, a resident of Yulee, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Scranton, homeported at Naval Base Point Loma. As a submariner, Gasper is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Gasper graduated from Hingham High School in 2005. Additionally, Gasper earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 2014 from Chaminade University of Honolulu, Hawaii.
Gasper joined the Navy 18 years ago. Today, Gasper serves as a fire control technician.
"I joined the Navy to follow in the footsteps of my grandfathers," Gasper said.
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.
USS Scranton (SSN 756) is the second U.S. Navy ship to be named for Scranton, Pennsylvania. Scranton is a Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine. Los Angeles-class submarines have been the backbone of the submarine force for the last 40 years, with approximately 23 now in commission. They are equipped with 12 Vertical Launch System tubes for firing Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Gasper serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in 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.
Gasper has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"I am most proud of being a leading chief petty officer of a very young and immensely successful division," Gasper said.
Gasper serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
"Being in the Navy means supporting a cause that is larger than me," Gasper said.
Gasper is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"I want to thank my mother, Maryanne Gasper, my father, Gerald Gasper, my brothers, Matthew and David, and my sisters, Jess, Amelia and James," Gasper added. "I miss you all. Thank you for your love and support. To my wife, Samantha, I also want to thank you for being my anchor, safe harbor and the most incredible partner a man could ask for."