SAN DIEGO – Lt. j.g. Tony Moon, a native of Fullerton, California, 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, Moon is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Moon graduated from Troy High School in 2018. Additionally, Moon earned a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from George Washington University in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fullerton.
“Growing up, I learned that not everything will work according to plan, but that doesn’t mean you should stop; you have to keep going, and eventually things will work out,” Moon said. “I’ve had multiple failures throughout my time in the Navy, but I’ve stuck with it and continued.”
Moon joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Moon serves as a division officer.
“I joined the Navy because I felt like, for me, looking at my future, I wanted to do something that would benefit me in the future,” Moon said. “The military was a good option for me. I felt like having a leadership role could benefit me in the future and would let me work with good groups of people.”
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, Moon serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
Moon has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of going on deployment to Korea last year,” Moon said. “Because it was my birthplace, I was able to help out on the boat and serve as a translator. It was nice being able to introduce my culture to the wardroom and the boat.”
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 the Navy means helping out and serving my country while benefiting myself,” Moon said. “While I serve my country, I also become a better person by learning and working with people I never thought I’d work with.”
Moon is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mentors in the Navy,” Moon said. “They’re part of the reason I never gave up.”
Moon has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of going on deployment to Korea last year,” Moon said. “Because it was my birthplace, I was able to help out on the boat and serve as a translator. It was nice being able to introduce my culture to the wardroom and the boat.”
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 the Navy means helping out and serving my country while benefiting myself,” Moon said. “While I serve my country, I also become a better person by learning and working with people I never thought I’d work with.”
Moon is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mentors in the Navy,” Moon said. “They’re part of the reason I never gave up.”