SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Guzman, a native of Chula Vista, California, serves under the sea aboard USS Springfield to ensure Americans’ safety.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Diamond Kyles |
Guzman graduated from Olympian High School in 2016.
“Growing up around San Diego taught me the importance of helping others,” Guzman said. “I was always surrounded by sailors, including the parents of some of my friends, and that environment gave me an appreciation for service. I continue to carry that lesson with me by looking for ways to help my shipmates whenever I can.”
Guzman joined the Navy six years ago.
“After high school, I earned a degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in pre-physical therapy from San Diego State University,” Guzman said. “I wanted to be part of the Navy's rich history and become the first person in my family to serve.”
Today, Guzman serves as an electronics technician (nuclear power) aboard a fast-attack submarine homeported at Naval Base Point Loma.
Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines, like USS Springfield, 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.
The next generation of fast-attack submarines – the Virginia-class – is under construction in America’s shipyards, with 24 of the most advanced submarines in the world already at sea and more on the horizon, all designed to combine stealth and payload capability to meet the demands of this era of strategic competition.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Guzman serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
Guzman has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of serving as a Junior Staff Instructor while at the Nuclear Power Training Unit,” Guzman said. “Being an instructor allowed me to connect with members of my community, teach students as they progressed through the required training pipeline, and continue developing myself as an operator. It was rewarding to help others progress while becoming better at my own job.”
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 a lot to me,” Guzman said. “I am proud to be the first person in my family to serve and especially proud to be a submariner. Being part of the submarine community gives me the opportunity to contribute to something larger than myself while continuing to support the people around me.
Guzman is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Chief Electronics Technician (Nuclear Power) Thomas Jones for being the textbook definition of what a chief should be,” Guzman added. “He has helped me in both my professional and personal life, and I cannot thank him enough for the guidance and example he has provided.”