Petty Officer 2nd Class Casey Jasper, a native of Hawkins, is one of the sailors serving aboard USS Nevada, continuing the U.S. Navy’s 124-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.

Jasper graduated from Hawkins High School in 2017. 

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hawkins.

“I was very familiar with hard work because I worked asphalt and concrete jobs for a living,” said Jasper. “That gave me a strong foundation to be resilient and keep pushing to what goals I’m working towards. Every day, you have to have that resilient attitude because you can’t really call in sick. You wake up every day and approach the day with a good attitude to accomplish the tasks at hand.”

Jasper joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Jasper serves as a missile technician.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted a career with opportunities along the way,” said Jasper. “A friend of mine who served in the Navy also recommended it.”

Known as America’s “Apex Predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security. A major component of that maritime security is homeported at Naval Base Kitsap, in Washington.

There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN). 

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 Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet combatant commanders’ demands in an era of strategic competition.

The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class SSBN will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S. – replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.

Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes. 

The Pacific Submarine Force maximizes the Navy’s strengths of knowledge, stealth, agility, firepower and endurance.

“The men and women of the Pacific Submarine Force are among our best and brightest Americans,” said Rear Adm. Richard Seif, Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet. “The pace of activity across the force is eye-watering, and our ability to remain on-scene, unseen, is only possible due to their hard work and critical thinking. We are lethal, far-reaching, and incredibly capable, and we deter aggression through our demonstrated advantage in the undersea domain.”

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.

Jasper serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Jasper has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service. 

“I’m most proud of receiving two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals in fiscal year 2024,” said Jasper. “One was for doing infrequent operations during the most recent Explosive Handling Wharf and the other was for my performance in daily operations.”

Jasper can take pride in serving America through military service.

“The Navy provides me with stability and a proud means to support my family,” said Jasper.

Jasper is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my wife, Melanie,” added Jasper. “She’s been so supportive. Before patrol operations, we were so busy in shift work and all my daylight hours were spent sleeping and then I was working all night. Just having that support at home from her made it easier. Also, I want to thank my friend, Doug Roush. He’s the one who got me in line to join the Navy and made the recommendation. He still checks in with me and offers support.”