Page 25 - Cindy Salas Murphy San Diego Woman Magazine

UNDER THE C OL ORS

"I feel that as a Filipino in the As a member of the U.S. Navy, Growing up in Vista, McGehee Guided-missile submarines
U.S. Navy, being a part of a mili- Paguiligan, as well as other sailors, attended San Marcos High School provide the Navy with unprece-
tary exercise with my home coun- know they are a part of a service and graduated in 2010. Today, Mc- dented strike and special operation
try feels great and gives me com- tradition providing unforgettable Gehee relies upon skills and values mission capabilities from a stealthy,
fort that the Philippines makes experiences through leadership similar to those found in Vista to clandestine platform. Each SSGN is
efforts to help reinforce its ties to development, world affairs and succeed in the military. capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk
the U.S.," said Paguiligan. humanitarian assistance. Their “I learned woodworking and cruise missiles, plus a complement
"I believe that not only do we efforts will have a lasting effect metalworking in high school and of heavyweight torpedoes to be
gain proficiency in military oper- around the globe and for genera- college, which has helped my lev- fired through four torpedo tubes.
ations with our allies through ex- tions of sailors who will follow. el of craftsmanship and desire to Strategic deterrence is the Na-
ercises such as MAREX PI, but this "Serving the U.S. Navy has diligently make repairs,” said Mc- tion’s ultimate insurance program,
also aids in building trust and a given me the means to support Gehee. "It created a strong foun- according to Navy officials. As a
sense of security to my fellow Fil- myself and my family while pro- dation of understanding sche- member of the submarine force,
ipinos back in the Islands," added tecting my loved ones," added matics." McGehee is part of a rich 122-year
Paguiligan. Paguiligan. These lessons have helped Mc- history of the U.S. Navy’s most ver-
According to Paguiligan, the Gehee while serving in the Navy. satile weapons platform, capable
values required to succeed in the Known as America’s “Apex of taking the fight to the enemy
military are similar to those found Predators!,” the Navy’s subma- in the defense of America and its
in the San Diego. rine force operates a large fleet allies.
"If there are any lessons that of technically-advanced vessels. Serving in the Navy means
have stayed with me and made These submarines are capable of McGehee is part of a world that
a significant impact to my career conducting rapid defensive and is taking on new importance in
and in life is having discipline, offensive operations around the America’s focus on rebuilding
work ethic and the will to push world, in furtherance of U.S. na- military readiness, strengthening
through," said Paguiligan. tional security. alliances and reforming business
Homeported in San Diego, There are three basic types of practices in support of the Na-
California, USS Essex is the sec- submarines: fast-attack subma- tional Defense Strategy.
ond ship in the Wasp-class of rines (SSN), ballistic-missile sub- “The Navy is tasked with pro-
multipurpose amphibious assault marines (SSBN) and guided-mis- tecting national interests and
ships and the fifth ship named for sile submarines (SSGN). defending our country,” said Mc-
Essex County, Massachusetts. Es- Fast-attack submarines are de- Gehee.
sex was a 1000-ton ironclad river signed to hunt down and destroy With more than 90 percent
gunboat of the U.S. Army and lat- enemy submarines and surface of all trade traveling by sea, and
er U.S. Navy during the American Photo by Mass Communication ships; strike targets ashore with 95 percent of the world’s interna-
Civil War. Specialist 3rd Class Christine Mont- cruise missiles; carry and deliver tional phone and internet traffic
According to Navy officials, gomery, Navy Office of Community Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, carried through underwater fiber
amphibious assault ships are de- Outreach surveillance, and reconnaissance optic, Navy officials continue to
signed to deliver U.S. Marines and missions; and engage in mine emphasize that the prosperity
their equipment where they are Vista native serves warfare. The Virginia-class SSN is and security of the United States
needed to support a variety of the most advanced submarine is directly linked to a strong and
missions ranging from amphib- as a member of U.S. in the world today. It combines ready Navy.
ious assaults to humanitarian Navy’s submarine stealth and payload capability to McGehee and the sailors they
relief efforts. Designed to be ver- meet Combatant Commanders’ serve with have many opportuni-
satile, the ship has the option of force demands in this era of strategic ties to achieve accomplishments
simultaneously using helicopters, competition. during their military service.
Harrier jets, and Landing Craft Air NORFOLK, Va. – A Vista , Califor- The Navy's ballistic-missile “I’m proud of how we took
Cushioned, as well as convention- nia, native is serving aboard USS submarines, often referred to as our ship from an extended ship-
al landing craft and assault vehi- New Mexico, one of the world’s "boomers," serve as a strategic yard availability to one of the top
cles in various combinations. most advanced nuclear-powered deterrent by providing an un- operational deploying assets on
There are many opportunities submarines. detectable platform for subma- the east coast,” said McGehee."I
for sailors to earn recognition in rine-launched ballistic missiles. get to see all of my hard work
their command, community and Petty Officer 2nd Class Jar- SSBNs are designed specifically for come to fruition."
careers while serving in the Navy. rod McGehee joined the Navy six stealth, extended patrols and the As McGehee and other sailors
"I have many small accom- years ago. Today, McGehee serves precise delivery of missiles. The continue to train and perform
plishments or goals attained as an electrician's mate. Columbia-class SSBN will be the missions, they take pride in serv-
throughout my Navy career," said “I believe every able-bodied largest, most capable and most ing their country in the United
Paguiligan. "However, the most American citizen should do some advanced submarine produced States Navy.”
impactful to me was not my per- kind of service,” said McGehee. by the U.S. - replacing the current “I have a steady paycheck and
sonal achievements but the pro- "We live here so we should Ohio-class ballistic-missile subma- have developed a great camara-
gression and success of sailors I have some responsibility to take rines to ensure continuous sea- derie with my shipmates,” added
had the privileged of leading and care of our land. That’s why I based strategic deterrence into McGehee.
serving with." joined the Navy." the 2080s.

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