Jersey City native serves at sea aboard Navy’s newest and most-advanced attack submarine      

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June 14, 2018

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Erica R. Gardner
Navy Office of Community Outreach

PEARL HARBOR – A Jersey City, New Jersey, native and 2012 Dickinson High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard one of the Navy’s newest attack submarines,  USS Hawaii.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Marcos Jusino works as a fire control technician serving aboard the Pearl Harbor-based submarine, one of 56 fast attack submarines in the U.S. Navy.

Fire control technicians are responsible for tracking and making assessments on surface contacts using electronic equipment.

“I brought my taste of music into the military with me,” said Jusino. “It keeps me motivated.”

Jobs are highly varied aboard the submarine, according to Navy officials. Approximately 130 men and women make up the submarine’s crew, doing everything from handling weapons to maintaining nuclear reactors.

Navy officials explained that 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.

“Our submarine teams are small, elite, and rely heavily on extraordinary individual performance,” said Rear Adm. Daryl L. Caudle, commander, Submarine Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “It is no surprise that our sailors continue to set the standard for excellence, and the country continues to be well served by their service and sacrifice. I couldn’t be more proud to lead this professional fighting force.”

According to Navy officials, because of the demanding environment aboard submarines, personnel are accepted only after rigorous testing and observation. Submariners are some of the most highly trained and skilled people in the Navy. Regardless of their specialty, everyone has to learn how everything on the ship works and how to respond in emergencies to become “qualified in submarines” and earn the right to wear the coveted gold or silver dolphins on their uniform.

Becoming a submariner is an accomplishment in itself. Jusino is also proud of earning Blue Jacket of the Quarter honors during the first quarter in 2017.

“I am the first in my family to join the military,” said Jusino. “My mom was nervous because this type of career path was very unknown to us.”

Challenging submarine living conditions build strong fellowship among the elite crew, Navy Officials explained. The crews are highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions.  It is a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills.

“I feel good knowing that I am keeping the homefront safe,” said Jusino.

Here is a roundup of other Hometown Military News items received recently, profiling local members of the Armed Forces in their regular work locations.

EAST CHINA SEA (April 9, 2018) Cmdr. Neil Gabriel, from Mullica Hill, N.J., uses a rangefinder to measure the distance between the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104), left, as part of a coordinated formation steaming with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. The bilateral navigational maneuvers were conducted as part of an enduring commitment of both sea services to increase U.S.-Japan naval interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Collins III/Released)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Apr. 3, 2018) Chief Damage Controlman Reginald Pridgen, from Jersey City, New Jersey, describes fire safety measures to sailors assigned to the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during training at the Yokosuka Fire Fighting and Damage Control Facility. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Glenn Slaughter)
PHILIPPINE SEA (May 25, 2018) Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Arien Brett, from Brooklyn, New York, simulates putting out a fire during a crash and salvage drill on the flight deck of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65). Benfold is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Anna Van Nuys/Released)