SAN DIEGO – Seaman Apprentice Dean Watson, a native of Quinlan, Texas, 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, Watson is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Watson graduated from Julius L. Chambers High School in 2025.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Quinlan.
“Growing up, I was taught the importance of hard work and pride in your work and yourself,” Watson said. “Putting your best foot forward and being a culinary specialist, you have to have a good attitude because if you don’t have a good attitude, it affects everyone’s mood. I could say that cooking with love tastes better.”
Watson joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Watson serves as a culinary specialist (submarines).
“My grandfather Ronny Watson served in the Navy as a sonar technician, and I want to secure a future for my family,” Watson said. “I want to open a restaurant in the future, and was told that the Navy has the best benefits while being able to follow my grandfather's footsteps.”
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 USS 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, USS Greeneville is only slightly longer than a football field at 360 feet long and 33 feet across at its widest point. USS 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, Watson serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
Watson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being in the Academic Advance Program during 'A' school, being in the top 10% in my class and being recommended by the chief,” Watson said.
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 protecting my loved ones by serving my country and building a strong foundation for my family,” Watson said.
Watson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, RJ Watson and Kimberly Epperson, and my fiancée, Jalese Gramph, for always supporting me and making me into a better man for myself and them,” Watson said.