SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Alvin Araneta, a native of Daly City, California, 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, Araneta is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Araneta graduated from Westmore High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Daly City.
“Growing up in my hometown, the majority of the population was Asian,” Araneta said. “This helped me have an open mind and break away from stereotypes and societal norms.”
Araneta joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Araneta serves as a logistics specialist (submarines).
“I joined because my uncle served in the Navy,” Araneta said. “He shared sea stories about his adventures, which inspired me.”
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, Araneta serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
Araneta has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of making the rank of petty officer second class in less than two years,” Araneta said. “To me, it means I’m capable of being greater than I thought possible.”
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.
“It’s a privilege to be given such an opportunity to serve,” Araneta said. “I’m able to see the world through my own eyes and be independent.”
Araneta is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents and my brother,” Araneta said. “My brother wanted to join the Air Force but wasn’t able to, so joining the Navy made me feel like I helped accomplish his dream.”
Araneta looks forward to making a career with the Navy.
“I plan on doing 20 years,” Araneta said. “No matter how scary it may look, just knowing your family is right there with you, guiding and supporting you, can help you get through it. You have people to lean on who help you over the hurdles that get in your way.”