Sailor from PCU Mississippi Reconnects with His Hometown of Pascagoula

 

A third-generation Sailor and Pascagoula-native, who is attached to the U.S. Navy’s newest Virginia-class submarine, Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Mississippi (SSN 782), is enjoying his time spent in his homestate.

Sonar Technician Submarines 1st Class (SS) Joshua Bordelon is one of three Sailors who hail from the Magnolia state, but the only Sailor who hails from the host city.

This is an amazing opportunity because the chance of being in the U.S. Navy, on the vessel from your home state, commissioning in your hometown is impressive and highly unlikely,” said Bordelon.

PCU Mississippi arrived in Pascagoula May 25 to prepare for its commissioning June 2.

Bordelon entered the U.S. Navy in January 1999 and his decision to serve was largely due to his father’s and grandfather’s service to the nation.

“You could say that my entire life was spent around submarines from when my father joined the U.S. Navy and when I entered the U.S. Navy in 1999,” said Bordelon.

In addition to his father and grandfather’s service, he joins a long lineage of family members who served or are serving in the military. Of his eight brothers, two have served in the U.S. Navy and one younger brother has served in the U.S. Army. A fourth sibling is preparing to join the U.S. Army.

“My grandfather enlisted into the U.S. Navy in the 1950s and all of his great uncles all served in the military,” said Bordelon.

Bordelon added that he has a lot of pride for his grandfather’s and father’s service to their country.

Following more than a decade in the Submarine Force, Bordelon’s father Jeffery worked at General Dynamics Electric Boat and is currently serving with the Jackson County Sheriff’s office.

Bordelon added that his desire to serve stems from the service of prior generations and that he is proud to have an opportunity to serve in the Submarine Force.

“I have a lot of pride for our country and the fact that I do it in the Submarine Force makes it all the more exciting,” said Bordelon.

Bordelon has two sons, ages six and eight, and according to Bordelon they eat, breathe and sleep submarines.

“I believe at least one of them will enter the Submarine Force in the future and follow their father’s lead,” said Bordelon.

Virginia-class submarines are built under a unique teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries – Newport News. Construction on the submarine began in February 2007; the commissioning ceremony will be held June 2.

Once commissioned, Mississippi, like all Virginia-class submarines, will dominate both the littorals and deep oceans. It will serve as a valuable asset in supporting the core capabilities of maritime strategy: sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.

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Naval Today Staff, June 1, 2012