SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class McLean Harris, a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, 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, Harris is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Harris graduated from Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Raleigh.
“While the Navy taught me how to stand on my own two feet, Raleigh taught me the value of hard work and constantly pushing myself,” Harris said.
Harris joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Harris serves as a sonar technician (submarine).
“A lot of my family were in the military, mostly in the Army and the Marines,” Harris said. “I wanted to be like them, but also do something different. I had a really good recruiter. The Marine recruiter and Navy recruiter were the only ones who showed up to the career fair when I was in high school. I wasn’t interested in joining the Marines because my dad had been in the Marines. My dad told me he thought I’d do better in the Navy.”
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, Harris serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
Harris has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I earned a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in February for standing narrowband on deployment while performing missions vital to national security,” Harris said. “I served my country and helped defend our country against foreign adversaries.”
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 the world to me,” Harris said. “I am able to better myself, protect the Constitution and defend those who cannot defend themselves.”
Harris is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents for everything,” Harris said. “If it wasn’t for them, I would not be who I am today.”
Harris offered encouragement for anyone considering a path in the Navy.
“I hope this inspires someone to join,” Harris said. “It is a fantastic opportunity.”