The first Filipina to earn the Submarine Warfare Specialist pin (Dolphins) aboard the USS Ohio (SSGN 726) is a Kapampangan who hails from Angeles City, Pampanga.
Melanie Martins, a supply officer and the only Pinoy in the submarine fleet, said ‘the challenges of being a submariner exceeded her expectations.’
She made the challenging transition from the enlisted aviation community to the wardroom of a guided missile submarine in 2013, becoming one of the first female Filipina officers to earn the Submarine Warfare Specialist pin September 2019.
The U.S. Navy Office said the warfare insignia is given to competent submariners who have challenged the depths of the seas. Wearing the ‘Dolphins’ pin indicates the bearer is a qualified submariner and is acknowledged to be part of an elite community.
“In the submarine fleet, we are closer to each other not only physically, but it is a brotherhood. No matter the rank, if you are doing something wrong that can potentially kill everyone on the ship, you will be corrected,” she said.
“We rely heavily on each other, especially under the sea because the possibility of losing all hands in one mistake is highly likely. Trust is huge and very important,” Martins added.