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DeWeese serves as submarine instructor in the U.S. Pacific Fleet

Warren native and Petty Officer 1st Class John DeWeese stands in front of the U.S. Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific (NSTCP) in Pearl Harbor, HI, where he is serving as an electrician’s mate (nuclear) and instructor within the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Warren native and Petty Officer 1st Class John DeWeese stands in front of the U.S. Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific (NSTCP) in Pearl Harbor, HI, where he is serving as an electrician’s mate (nuclear) and instructor within the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Photo provided.

A Warren native and 2007 Southern Wells High School graduate is serving at the United States Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific (NSTCP) in Pearl Harbor, HI.

Petty Officer 1st Class John DeWeese has served for seven years and works as a Navy electrician’s mate (nuclear) and is serving within the U.S. Pacific Fleet area of operations.

The U.S. Pacific Fleet is the world’s largest fleet command, encompassing 100 million square miles, nearly half the Earth’s surface, from Antarctica to the Arctic Circle and from the West Coast of the United States into the Indian Ocean.

As a Navy electrician’s mate (nuclear), DeWeese is responsible for the maintenance and operation of electrical distribution equipment onboard submarines. As an instructor he is responsible for training submarine nuclear sailors in safe operations.

 DeWeese credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Warren.

“I learned to treat others as you would want to be treated,” said DeWeese. “Our job in the Navy can be challenging, but it would not be possible without the great men and women I am serving beside. Treating others with dignity and respect goes a long way.”

A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.

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; carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. Their primary tactical advantage is stealth, operating undetected under the sea for long periods of time.

Sailors learn engineering and tactical team training during their courses of instruction required to serve aboard submarines using the most advanced technology. Training is tailored to each ship’s specific needs to develop the skills and expertise required to support operations around the world in war and peace.

Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to in defense circles as the gateway to the Pacific, means DeWeese is serving in a part of the world taking on a new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, stre-ngthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”

The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world’s population, many of the world’s largest and smallest economies, several of the world’s largest militaries, and many U.S. allies. The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades.

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, DeWeese is most proud of becoming an instructor.

“My biggest accomplishment was leading a group of sailors with various talents and abilities and watching them grow into an efficient, safe and complex thinking watch team,” said DeWeese.

Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for DeWeese, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. DeWeese is honored to carry on that family tradition.

“I have two uncles who served in the military,” said DeWeese. “The pride they had wearing their uniforms and representing the military was something I wanted for myself.”

According to Navy officials, supporting the high operational tempo and unique challenges of the submarine force builds strong fellowship and a strong sense of mission.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, DeWeese and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.

“I am honored to serve in the world’s best Navy alongside of the selfless, motivated and competent brothers and sisters in the armed forces,” added DeWeese.