Alabama Native Serving His Country From Deep Below The Sea

We love to honor our United States military and spotlight the work they do every day.

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We are spotlighting a young man from Lincoln, Alabama, serving his country as a Petty Officer 2nd Class in the US Navy. He is one of the sailors serving aboard the ballistic-missile submarine USS Pennsylvania. His name is Justin Dickert, and he graduated from Lincoln High School. Dickert says that growing up in Alabama taught him many of the things he needs to serve in the US Navy.

Credit: Navy Specialist 1st Class James Green

One of those things is to keep his family close, especially when he is gone for months at a time. Dickert joined the Navy back in 2021, and he is glad that he made that decision. Of course, it is a huge bonus to travel and see the world. Dickert is a submariner, a small percentage of Navy personnel who volunteer to serve their country under the sea.

Submarines have long been a fascination for many Americans and the subject of multiple spy novels and films. Most remember the huge hit movie, "The Hunt for Red October" starring Sean Connery. Those serving on submarines are known as America's "Apex Predators". The US Navy operates a massive fleet of the most technically advanced vessels under the sea. Three basic types of submarines are in the American fleet, including fast-attack submarines, ballistic-missile submarines (like Dickert's vessel), and guided-missile submarines.

We want to acknowledge Alabama hero Justin Dickert and thank him for his service to our country.