Unseen and unheard, the Navy's fleet of attack submarines patrols the world's oceans. Lurking within striking distance of potential hot spots, these stealthy ships can knock an opponent off balance through the use of missiles, torpedoes and the element of surprise.

One of the Navy's newest silent hunters is the USS Greeneville and Massapequa's John I. Serenita is a member of the submarine's crew.

Chief Petty Officer Serenita, the 35-year-old son of Pasquale and Charlene Serenita of Massapequa, is part of the Greeneville's first crew, or plank owners. He is proud to be a crew member of the Navy's newest Los Angeles-class attack submarine.

"It feels good to be outfitted with the latest technology, knowing that (Greeneville is) the most capable submarine on the West Coast," said Serenita, a 1980 graduate of Massapequa High School.

Serenita, a sonar technician, supervises the maintenance and operation of underwater listening equipment. He realizes the importance of having submarines deployed overseas year round in support of national defense.

"Submarines are deployed worldwide to fulfill the United States commitment as a world leader. It also ensures the freedom of the oceans and defense of our country in time of war," Serenita said.

The submarine's primary mission is to approach and destroy enemy ships by stealth. Through the years, however, the submarine's role has diversified, from polar research to delivery of special forces teams and land attack missions. Serenita is aware of the submarine's changing role in today's Navy.

"Submarines provide a self-sustaining platform to monitor undetected, all electronic signals from a close site; insert a special warfare team close in with minimal detection and other hazards; and serve as a missile platform able to launch missiles with little time for enemy defensive action," Serenita said.

Weighing more than 7,000 tons submerged, the 360-foot Greeneville still has an underwater speed in excess of 30 knots. With a crew of nearly 150 officers and sailors, the Greeneville packs a high tech array of sonar and weaponry, including the potent Tomahawk cruise missile and Harpoon anti-ship missile.

Being isolated from the outside world for weeks at a time may seem rough on submariners, but Serenita has ways to adapt to life under the sea.

"It's not the space as much as the routine. If you adapt well to doing a routine in less spare time, it's easy to deal with submarine life," said Serenita, a 16-year Navy veteran.

Qualifying for submarine duty is one of the Navy's most challenging assignments. Serenita reveals his secrets on being successful in the submarine fleet.

"Hard work and dedication helps me keep performing with little recognition or reward, and putting the security needs of my country ahead of my own personal goals helps me succeed in the sub fleet," Serenita said.

Note: Rich Henson is a Navy journalist assigned to the Navy Public Affairs Center at Naval Station San Diego.