SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremiah Silva, a native of Bulverde, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Scranton, a fast-attack submarine homeported at Naval Base Point Loma.
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| Photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Sean Furey, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
As a submariner, Silva is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Silva graduated from Smithson Valley High School in 2005 and is working on a bachelor’s degree in technical studies through Thomas Edison University.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bulverde.
“Growing up, I was always doing work with my father, and I learned that so long as you always treat people with respect, they’ll do the same for you,” Silva said. “In the Navy, you have to always be willing to talk to people and work hard. My dad taught me to volunteer for everything. If you can do it, just do it. He said that was how he got through the Army.”
Silva joined the Navy 17 years ago. Today, Silva serves as an electronics technician (nuclear power).
“I come from a long line of service members,” Silva said. “My grandfather was Air Force, my father and mother met while in the Army. I didn’t want to go Army, and the Marine Corps wasn’t my cup of tea. The Navy had more technical jobs in the field I was looking at and had more opportunities for me. My brother and I both joined the Navy and are currently stationed in San Diego together.”
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 Scranton, 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, Scranton is only slightly longer than a football field at 360 feet long and 33 feet across at its widest point. Scranton 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, Silva serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
Silva has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’ve qualified for everything and anything I could to help me make life easier and support those around me,” Silva said. “This is a pride issue because when they ask who can do this, I say I can.”
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.
“Serving in the Navy means I’ve committed myself to the service and defense of my country,” Silva said. “It allows me to protect my family, both blood and chosen.”
Silva is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my dad, Arthur J. Silva, for my work ethic, and my brother, Senior Chief Fire Controlman Joshua Silva, for always having my back,” Silva said. “I want to thank my wife, Lindsay, for supporting me for the last five years. She’s going through it right now, moving out here with our kids, but she’s been amazing.”