Selma native uses work ethic he learned from hometown in U.S. Navy

A native of Selma is reportedly one of the relatively few personnel in the U.S. Navy serving as a submariner, assigned to USS Rhode Island, which homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew Farmer is a graduate of Dallas County High School in 2022. 

“My hometown taught me the importance of a good work ethic,” Farmer said in a blog by the U.S. Navy Outreach. "Back home, the work around the house growing up had to be precise. That has really helped me throughout my time in the Navy."

Farmer serves as an information systems technician aboard an East Coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarine, also called an Apex Predator, capable of operations in the Atlantic, Arctic, Eastern Pacific, and Indian Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea.

“My proudest moment took place during a mission,” Farmer said. “During my second patrol, I was a full-time electronic support measures operator. I was responsible for ensuring the safety of the boat from surface to test depth, and everything was successful. It was a great feeling."

Farmer said that he would use his GI Bill for education after his time in the Navy is up. 

“Being in the Navy means that I can better myself,” Farmer said. "Having all these responsibilities now means I can push myself even more when I get out. I also look forward to using my GI Bill to continue my education."