SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd Class Keegan Lister, a native of Grizzly Flats, 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 Office San Diego |
As a submariner, Lister is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Lister graduated from Union Mine High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Grizzly Flats.
“Growing up, I learned that no one else is going to do the work for you,” Lister said. “If you want something better for yourself, you have to buckle down and finish the job, no matter how bad it is or how much you don't want to do it.”
Lister joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Lister serves as a culinary specialist (submarines).
“I joined the Navy for a job,” Lister said. “I wanted to work towards and build myself a better and sustainable future.”
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, Lister serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
Lister has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“After my first deployment, I received a captain’s letter for my hard work,” Lister said. “I am proud of this because it shows that my hard work didn’t go unnoticed by my leadership.”
Lister has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“After my first deployment, I received a captain’s letter for my hard work,” Lister said. “I am proud of this because it shows that my hard work didn’t go unnoticed by my leadership.”
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.
“In the short time that I have been enlisted, it has been an honor to serve my country,” Lister said. “It fills me with a sense of purpose and honor that I didn’t find as a civilian.”
Lister is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank both my parents back home,” Lister said. “They have always been there for me. They encouraged me to join the Navy and find my purpose in life.”
Lister offered encouragement for those considering a path in the military.
“If anyone is thinking of joining the Navy, I would highly suggest it,” Lister said. “The best recommendation for a command is submarines, mostly because the food is great.”