SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua Terry, a native of Irvine, 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, Terry is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Terry graduated from Pacific Coast High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Irvine.
“The biggest lesson I learned was toughing things out when things get hard,” Terry said. “It is challenging, not only getting through boot camp and 'A' school, but especially challenging in the submarine force. It’s knowing when to rely on your own motivation and make the best out of every situation.”
Terry joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Terry serves as a torpedoman’s mate.
“I joined the Navy because I didn't really know what I wanted to do,” Terry said. “I had already been an Eagle Scout and came in with college credits, which allowed me to enlist as an E-3. I was also offered a nice bonus, but the biggest reason is I’m a fourth-generation service member in my family.”
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, Terry serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
Terry has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is how far I’ve come,” Terry said. “From when I first joined, I was reserved and afraid of confrontation, but the Navy has helped me become a leader, sailor and better person overall.”
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 everything to me,” Terry said. “It’s an immense privilege that I get to be part of one of the coolest jobs and be on a submarine. Not many people get that opportunity.”
Terry is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’m grateful for my family who served before me,” Terry said. “I take pride in continuing the legacy.”
Terry plans for a future after the Navy.
“After serving in the military, I plan to go back to school in Northern California to become a zoo veterinarian,” Terry said.