Lafayette Native Serving Proudly Aboard Submarine

Drake Forness, a 2016 Lafayette High School graduate, is currently serving in the US Navy aboard a submarine based in Guam.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Heidi Cheek

Forness has achieved the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class and, working as a sonar technician, he is responsible for making certain the submarine doesn't run into anything.

Imagine being responsible for the safe navigation of a Los Angeles-class submarine - he must have nerves of steel!

In speaking with the Navy Office Of Community Outreach, Forness credits his advancements in the Navy to his time spent growing up in Lafayette, Louisiana.

“Growing up in the south has helped me experience lots of different people and cultures," Forness said. "These experiences have helped me to easily adapt to new people and places.” - Drake Forness

Not only does Forness need to be highly skilled at the duty he is assigned, but he must also be familiar with most other systems on the submarine, in the event of an emergency. This requirement makes submariners some of the most highly-trained individuals in today's military.