SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd Class Ethan Hardin, a native of Linden, Virginia, 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, Hardin is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Hardin graduated from Warren County High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Linden.
“Some lessons I learned that have carried over with me have been to be willing to be versatile, find a purpose and make yourself indispensable,” Hardin said. “You don’t have to be the best at everything you do, but you should be willing to try.”
Hardin joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Hardin serves as an information systems technician (communications).
“Every generation of my family on both sides has served in the armed forces,” Hardin said. “I wanted to see the world and do something bigger than myself. I also wanted to carry on the family tradition.”
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, Hardin serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
Hardin has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment has been earning my Submarine Warfare Pin and having it put on while standing on the bridge coming home from deployment,” Hardin said. “It felt like I had reached the end goal that I had set, and my hard work had culminated in that qualification.”
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.
“Being able to take care of my fellow sailors while serving means everything,” Hardin said. “In return, later on in the future, your fellow sailors will help you with your needs, be it job related or in your personal life.”
Hardin is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank everyone at every stage of my career, as well as my friends, family and loved ones back home,” Hardin said. “These people have impacted me in some way. They have also provided continuous support, whether by grand gesture or just having a conversation. It has made my job much easier, and I am grateful for this.”