Bradenton Native Anthony Raulerson is Serving Aboard a US Navy Warship

Bradenton Native Anthony Raulerson is Serving Aboard a US Navy Warship

Petty Officer 1st Class Anthony Raulerson joined the Navy 12 years ago. A Bradenton native and a 2008 Braden River High School graduate. He is serving aboard one of the nation’s newest, most versatile warships, the future USS Iowa fast-attack submarine.

A Bradenton native and 2008 Braden River High School graduate is serving aboard one of the nation’s newest, most versatile warships, the future USS Iowa fast-attack submarine.

Petty Officer 1st Class Anthony Raulerson joined the Navy 12 years ago to avoid college debt and to follow in his relatives footsteps who all have served in one form or another. Today, Raulerson serves as a U.S. Navy machinist's mate (nuclear) while the USS Iowa is under construction in Groton, Connecticut. It will be the 24th Virginia class submarine and the fourth vessel named in Iowa's honor.

"I work on the fluid system of nuclear-powered submarines that propel the ship through the oceans," Raulerson said.

Raulerson said the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in his hometown. 

"My hometown is a racially diverse place," Raulerson said. "This racial diversity helped me to thrive anywhere, and I'm very thankful for that. In the Navy, I learned how to be diligent in every aspect of my life." 

The future USS Iowa is designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets; deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare.

Known as America’s “Silent Service,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations.

"What I enjoy most working at this command, is the people that I meet and the places I get to see that I never would have without the Navy," Raulerson said. 

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent 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.

Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Raulerson said he is most proud of supporting his family by serving in the Navy. 

"Serving in the Navy means commitment to serving something greater than yourself," Raulerson said. "You're a part of a community that risks their lives to protect the people that keep our communities safe, that build our communities and heals our wounds when we're injured."

Submitted by Rick Burke, Navy Office Of Community Outreach