A Fallbrook native is serving aboard USS Annapolis, one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines.

Seaman Cameron Ewig, a 2019 Fallbrook High School graduate, joined the Navy two years ago.

“I joined the Navy because my father served in the Marine Corps,” Ewig said. “I also wanted to build a foundation and set myself up for the future through serving.”

Today, Ewig serves as a torpedoman’s mate.

“My favorite part about my job is getting to be the ship’s defense when called upon,” Ewig said. “I get to launch torpedoes, countermeasures and missiles in the name of America.”

According to Ewig, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Fallbrook.

“Fallbrook taught me to have a strong work ethic and to not quit until the job is done,” Ewig said. “I also learned to treat others the way you want to be treated. If you do both of those things, you will go far in life.”

Known as America’s “Silent Service,” 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.

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 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.

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. As a member of the submarine force, Ewig is part of a rich 121-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.

Serving in the Navy means Ewig is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“On a submarine, we’re the first to know what the bad guys are doing,” Ewig said. “We face the adversaries so our families don’t have to.”

With more than 90% of all trade traveling by sea, and 95% of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through underwater fiber optic, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers while serving in the Navy.

“So far, I am most proud of qualifying Senior in Rate with only one year on board,” Ewig said. “Typically that doesn’t happen until your two and a half or three-year mark.”

As Ewig and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the Navy.

“Joining the Navy has allowed me to make bonds with people that will last a lifetime,” Ewig added. “I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

— By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach

OsideNews and North Coast Current offer military outreach offices the opportunity to share news about local service members by submitting press releases for publication. They can be sent to osidenews[at]northcoastcurrent.com.