SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class James McGrew, a native of Wrightwood, California, 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, McGrew is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
McGrew graduated from Serrano High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Wrightwood.
“Growing up, I learned the value of problem solving and being able to figure things out,” McGrew said. “The odd jobs I have done have shown me that if you can put your time and effort into something you want to do, you can accomplish what you want.”
McGrew joined the Navy two years ago. Today, McGrew serves as an information systems technician (communications).
“I had family members who served, some in the Navy and some in the Air Force, and I always wanted to do my part for our great country,” McGrew said. “When I was considering joining the military, I went and talked to my wife’s uncle, Chad Teasly, who has been in the Navy for almost 40 years. He’s a gun boss. He said the Navy’s a good move.”
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, McGrew serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
McGrew has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of receiving my Submarine Warfare Pin, or my ‘Fish,’ and for putting on petty officer second class in two years,” McGrew said. “It’s the only thing I’ve ever really accomplished. Getting my ‘Fish’ is the culmination of all of my hard work. It means my crew can rely on me in a time of need.”
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.
“I am achieving one of my life goals by serving in the Navy,” McGrew said. “It gives me a chance to work on other goals I have in life.”
McGrew is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Trinity James, for being supportive of my decision,” McGrew said. “Even though we spend months apart, she is always there for me. I want to thank my mother, my brothers, their wives and my nephews. They are a reminder of what I am fighting for. I also want to thank my wife’s uncle, Chad Teasly, for his helpful input in my Navy career whenever I have questions.”
McGrew has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of receiving my Submarine Warfare Pin, or my ‘Fish,’ and for putting on petty officer second class in two years,” McGrew said. “It’s the only thing I’ve ever really accomplished. Getting my ‘Fish’ is the culmination of all of my hard work. It means my crew can rely on me in a time of need.”
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.
“I am achieving one of my life goals by serving in the Navy,” McGrew said. “It gives me a chance to work on other goals I have in life.”
McGrew is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Trinity James, for being supportive of my decision,” McGrew said. “Even though we spend months apart, she is always there for me. I want to thank my mother, my brothers, their wives and my nephews. They are a reminder of what I am fighting for. I also want to thank my wife’s uncle, Chad Teasly, for his helpful input in my Navy career whenever I have questions.”