SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd Class Anthony Estrada, a native of Acworth, Georgia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Greeneville, a fast-attack submarine homeported at Naval Base Point Loma.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Caleb Kissner, Fleet Public Affairs Center San Diego |
As a submariner, Estrada is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Estrada graduated from North Cobb High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Acworth.
“Growing up in Acworth has taught me to stay humble in the face of adversity and to see challenges through,” Estrada said.
Estrada joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Estrada serves as a culinary specialist (submarines).
“I have a lot of family members that have served in the Navy, but not a single person has served on the submarines!” Estrada 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 support of U.S. national security.
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines, ballistic-missile submarines and guided-missile submarines.
Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines, like Greeneville, have been the backbone of the submarine force for the last 40 years, with approximately 23 in service. 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.
Equipped with 12 Vertical Launch System tubes for firing Tomahawk cruise missiles, Greeneville is only slightly longer than a football field at 360 feet long and 33 feet across at its widest point. Greeneville is crewed by more than 140 enlisted sailors and officers.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Estrada serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
Estrada has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of earning my 'Dolphins,' the submarine warfare device I wear on my chest,” Estrada said. “Because of this, I am proud to be able to lead junior sailors to success in their qualifications.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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.
“The Navy has given me a few wake-up calls for sure,” Estrada said. “It also gives me purpose in life, when I thought I had nothing.”
Estrada is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family for reminding me how proud they are of me,” Estrada said.
Estrada has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of earning my 'Dolphins,' the submarine warfare device I wear on my chest,” Estrada said. “Because of this, I am proud to be able to lead junior sailors to success in their qualifications.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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.
“The Navy has given me a few wake-up calls for sure,” Estrada said. “It also gives me purpose in life, when I thought I had nothing.”
Estrada is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family for reminding me how proud they are of me,” Estrada said.
Estrada offered words of wisdom to other sailors, past or present.
“Never forget your 'why,'” Estrada said.