Hudson’s Own: Petty Officer Gunner Childs Defends Freedom Under the Sea
Several times a year, I receive an e-mail from the community outreach division of the U.S. Navy spotlighting a sailor who has ties to Deep East Texas. Today, I was surprised and delighted to see that a family friend was being featured.
Petty Officer 1st Class Gunner Childs
A native of Hudson, Texas, Childs serves in the U.S. Navy assigned to USS West Virginia, homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. As a submariner, Childs is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Childs graduated from Hudson High School in 2018. My son, Chase, played basketball with him and was part of the same graduation class. They remain close friends.
Whenever Gunner is on leave and makes it back to the Pineywoods, he will stop by our house for a visit, and/or a workout at Livewell with my son. You can't tell by the picture above, but he can crush walnuts when he flexes his biceps.
Childs' Naval History
Childs joined the Navy a little over six years ago. Today, Childs serves as an information systems technician (electronic warfare).
“I joined the Navy to explore opportunities outside of my hometown,” Childs said. “I learned the importance of working hard from my parents,” Childs said. "It is a pride thing for me to be able to work hard.”
More About Base Kings Bay
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is the homeport of East Coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines. These submarines are capable of conducting operations in the Atlantic, Arctic, Eastern Pacific, and Indian Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea.
It is also the only Navy base with the capability to support the Trident II missile, the most sophisticated nuclear missile designed to be launched from a submarine.There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Childs serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
Childs has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
READ MORE: Rusk, Texas Sailor Receives Honor
“My proudest accomplishment is making it through my sea tour because not a lot of people say they’ve done that,” Childs said. “I am proud to serve in the Navy so that I can protect my family and friends.”
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Gallery Credit: Stacker