Petty Officer 3rd Class Joseph Ellul
(The following is an article sent by U.S. Navy officials)
A 2014 Croswell Lexington High School graduate and Croswell, Michigan, native is serving in the U.S. Navy’s silent service submarine community on the island of Guam as part of the staff of USS Key West.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Joseph Ellul is a machinist’s mate (nuclear) serving aboard U.S. Naval Base Guam, supporting Virginia and Los Angeles class fast-attack submarines.
As a Navy machinist’s mate (nuclear), Ellul is responsible for the safe operation of the ship’s propulsion plant.
“The faculty at my high school equipped me with all the right tools that allowed me to have a good work ethic, which I carried into my military service” said Ellul. “My parents were also an influence in my decision to join the Navy and they fully supported me.”
The Los Angeles-class measures 360 feet long and weighs approximately 6,900 tons while the Virginia-class measures 377 feet long and weighs approximately 7,800 tons. These nuclear-powered propulsion system helps push the submarines through the water at nearly 30 mph.
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.
“Petty Officer Ellul, along with the rest of my staff, does an outstanding job ensuring our homeported units and all submarines operating forward in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility are prepared to answer the nation’s call whenever necessary,” said Capt. David Schappert, commander, Submarine Squadron 15. “We are first responders out here at the tip of the spear; and our Sailors are the best in the fleet.”
According to Navy officials, submariners are some of the most highly trained and skilled people in the Navy. The training is highly technical, and each crew has to be able to operate, maintain, and repair every system or piece of equipment on board. Regardless of their specialty, everyone also has to learn how everything on the sub 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.
This is especially true for Sailors assigned to Submarine Squadron 15 because Guam Sailors are located at our nation’s most strategically important forward-deployed submarine base, and the missions they conduct are at the tip of the spear of our forward readiness. These Sailors are the forward deployed, first line of defense in the Pacific.
“One of my greatest accomplishments was making it through the schooling process for the nuclear program, which is one of the most difficult programs that the Navy has to offer,” said Ellul.
Although it is difficult for most people to imagine living on a submarine, challenging submarine living conditions actually build strong fellowship among the crew. The crews are highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills.
“The Navy has humbled me and made me more comfortable to take on multiple tasks,” added Ellul. “I have also learned to be more independent and confident in my abilities, especially since I am away from family and friends.”
