Petty Officer 2nd Class Austin Madden *Photo Submitted
75 Years After Attack That Led U.S. into WWII
By: Dusty Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach
PEARL HARBOR – As the nation pauses to remember the attack on Pearl Harbor, which occurred 75 years ago on Dec. 7, 1941, the occasion has special meaning for a Forked River, New Jersey native who is serving in the U.S. Navy in the very location that drew the United States into World War II.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Austin Madden, a 2013 Pineland Regional High School graduate, is assigned to the Navy’s U.S. Pacific Fleet Headquarters.
According to Navy officials, 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.
The U.S. Pacific Fleet consists of approximately 200 ships/submarines, nearly 1,100 aircraft, and more than 140,000 Sailors and civilians.
Madden is responsible for administrative duties.
“Being a yeoman is such a different experience on a submarine,” said Madden. “I picked this rate to be able to help people out an that’s what I get the most enjoyment out of it.”
Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means that Madden is serving in a part of the world – the Pacific — that is taking on new importance in America’s national defense strategy.
Pearl Harbor itself is home to more than 19,000 U.S. Navy Sailors 11 surface ships, 19 nuclear-powered submarines and 19 aircraft.
Although the world has changed greatly in the past 75 years, the Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades, and for good reason, Navy officials say. 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.
Accordingly, the Navy is basing approximately 60 percent of its ships and aircraft in the region. Officials say the Navy will also provide its most advanced warfighting platforms to the region, including missile defense-capable ships; submarines; reconnaissance aircraft; and its newest surface warfare ships.
“Being here during the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor is an honor”, said Madden. “We are here and a part of history.”
While much as changed in 75 years, American Sailors’ core attributes of toughness, initiative, accountability and integrity remain today. The last legacy of the heroism and determination exhibited on Dec. 7th, 1941 is the heritage Madden and other service members remain committed to live up to in the 21st Century.
“It’s important for those of us serving in Pearl Harbor today to remember the sacrifice of those who served before us,” said Admiral Scott Swift, Commander, U.S. Pacific fleet. “The important work we do everyday honors those who were here 75 years ago and is a testament to the enduring value of our navy’s mission.
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“Why Being There Matters”
On our planet, more than 70 percent of which is covered by water, being there means having the ability to act from the sea. The Navy is uniquely positioned to be there; the world’s oceans give the Navy the power to protect America’s interests anywhere, and at any time. Your Navy protects and defends America on the world’s oceans. Navy ships, submarines, aircraft and, most importantly, tens of thousands of America’s finest young men and women are deployed around the world doing just that. They are there now. They will be there when we are sleeping tonight. They will be there every Saturday, Sunday and holiday this year. They are there around the clock, far from our shores, defending America at all times.
Thank you very much for your support of the men and women in U.S. Navy, deployed around the clock and ready to protect and defend America on the world’s oceans.
Very respectfully,
Rick Burke
Public Affairs Specialist
Navy Office of Community Outreach
Millington, Tenn.
