Bethel Park native thriving in U.S. Navy

Petty Officer 2nd Class Austin Orzechowski, a 2021 graduate of Bethel Park High School, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Tennessee, homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.

Orzechowski said the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bethel Park.

“I learned teamwork from a young age, and I carried that lesson with me into the Navy,” Orzechowski said. “My whole life has revolved around sports, so taking lessons like teamwork and dedication, and bringing them to the Navy has been incredibly applicable. I’ve also learned a lot more about myself and how to adapt to changes.”

Orzechowski joined the Navy four years ago. Today, he serves as a torpedoman’s mate.

“I joined the Navy to travel and see different countries,” Orzechowski said. “The cool thing is I have a twin brother. We both wanted to go to college but weren’t sure about it. So, I started talking to the recruiter, and then one day my brother asked if he could come along. That’s how my brother and I ended up joining the Navy together, to see the world together.”

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.

Known as America’s “Apex Predators!,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.

Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Orzechowski serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.

Orzechowski has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My greatest accomplishment is earning my submarine warfare pin,” he said. “Getting officially qualified in submarines is an honor. When you’re here, you’re in control of your life, and once you accomplish something like that, it truly feels like an achievement. I feel like I have a bit of a jump start in life. My experiences in the Navy have given me a solid foundation and a clear understanding of what I need to do.”

Orzechowski is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my family,” Orzechowski added. “They’ve supported me through everything. I also want to thank Chief Petty Officer Charles Clinebell, who was a great mentor. He took me under his wing and taught me things I still apply today.”