It’s time to highlight another New Jersey native serving their country in the armed forces.

According to the Navy, submariners make up less than 10% of Naval personnel. Petty Officer 1st Class Austin Madden, a native of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, is one of the sailors continuing a 123-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure American’s safety.

Madden joined the Navy nine years ago and today serves as a yeoman aboard USS Washington.

“My brother joined the Coast Guard and when I saw him at his basic training graduation, I was inspired to join the military,” said Madden.

Growing up in Little Egg Harbor, Madden attended Pinelands Regional High School and graduated in 2013. Skills and values similar to those found in Little Lake Harbor led to success in the military.

“Back home I learned to always be myself and not to try to fit a specific mold,” said Madden.

These lessons have helped Madden while serving in the Navy.

According to a Navy release:

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.

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

I can only imagine how claustrophobic it must get serving on a submarine; endless hours undersea with nowhere to go. I’m glad we have men and women willing to make the sacrifice.

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