Gates

An Emlenton native is serving aboard the USS Wyoming, one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Gates, a 2010 Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School graduate, joined the Navy four years ago.

“I wanted to join the Navy to benefit my family with job stability and better benefits,” said Gates.

Today, Gates serves as a torpedoman’s mate whose responsibilities include maintaining and operating torpedoes on the submarine.

According to Gates, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Emlenton.

“If you want something, you need to work for it,” said Gates. “I learned that from my hometown. To advance in your career you need to constantly show effort and learn new things.”

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 around the world.