SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Cooke, a native of Rocklin, 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 Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Caleb Kissner, Fleet Public Affairs Center San Diego |
As a submariner, Cooke is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Cooke graduated from Rocklin High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Rocklin.
“Growing up, I learned to have a strong work ethic,” Cooke said. “My parents instilled that into me from a young age, and my first job at a tire shop was physical and demanding, so that helped prepare me for the Navy.”
Cooke joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Cooke serves as a torpedoman’s mate.
“I joined the Navy to make a change,” Cooke said. “I wanted the satisfaction or sense of achievement of being part of something greater than myself, to grow as a person both personally and professionally, and of course to travel the world.”
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, Cooke serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
Cooke has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of earning my dolphins,” Cooke said. “It’s a submarine warfare device that’s very challenging and one of the hardest warfare devices to qualify for.”
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.
“To me, serving in the Navy means protecting my family, loved ones and country,” Cooke said. “It’s an honor and privilege because it builds character and life skills, and you can build a foundation for the future.”
Cooke is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am most thankful for my parents and little brother,” Cooke said. “They encouraged me to go through with joining the Navy.”
Cooke shared words of wisdom for current and future sailors.
“Don’t be scared to try something new,” Cooke said.