SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric Jenkins, a native of Chandler, Arizona, 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 Office San Diego |
As a submariner, Jenkins is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Jenkins graduated from Desert Hills High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Chandler.
“Growing up, I learned to work hard, but always be willing to compromise when necessary,” Jenkins said. “Nothing has to be perfect when it comes to finishing the job. Also, it’s important to always drink water.”
Jenkins joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Jenkins serves as a fire control technician.
“I joined the Navy to follow in my father’s footsteps,” Jenkins said. “My father served on a nuclear submarine, and I wanted to be just like him.”
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, Jenkins serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
Jenkins has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment has been earning my Submarine Warfare Pin,” Jenkins said. “I had my warfare pin put on by my first class petty officer mentor back in Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He was the one who taught me everything.”
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 gives me a sense of safety as well as stability and pride,” Jenkins said. “I feel like I am doing something important and that I have a purpose.”
Jenkins is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank both my parents, who are back home,” Jenkins said. “They have loved and supported me in everything I’ve done and have made me who I am today.”