At 23, Fire Control Technician First Class Lucas Anderson proved what it means to be Guam Tough—earning a meritorious promotion, qualifying for one of the submarine force’s most senior watch stations, and training for a full Ironman Triathlon—all while serving thousands of miles from home.

“Anything is possible,” said Anderson—a statement he lives by, refusing to let distance, pressure, or anything else stand in his way.

Long hours. High stakes. No shortcuts. That’s Guam Tough.

Serving aboard USS Jefferson City (SSN 759), one of five forward-deployed fast-attack submarines stationed in Guam, the Seattle, Washington native embodies the kind of resilience, focus, and excellence that drive the Navy’s warfighting edge.

Guam is one of the Navy’s most strategically important locations as a critical hub in the Western Pacific. Submariners forward-deployed here operate in high-demand environments, sustaining undersea dominance in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Anderson’s journey didn’t begin with submarines. After graduating from Gov. John R. Rogers High School in 2019, he enrolled at Central Washington University to study computer science. But the classroom lacked the challenge and purpose he was seeking.

“After my freshman year, I soon realized I did not want to be like everyone who gets their degree and works their 9-5 job, especially since I felt I had barely seen the world.”

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 2020 and received orders to Guam—thousands of miles from home and embedded within the forward edge of undersea operations. There, he found his calling in the submarine force and set his sights on one of its most respected and difficult qualifications: Dive Officer of the Watch.

More commonly known as “Dive,” the qualification represents one of the most crucial watch stations aboard a submarine. It requires deep technical knowledge, calm under pressure, and total command of ship control during sensitive submerged operations.

“The Diving Officer of the Watch is responsible for not only maintaining ordered depth and trim but also ensuring the submarine is able to surface just as many times as it submerges,” Anderson explained. “This qualification is a huge milestone in any submariner’s career… Rarely is an E-5 ever seen attempting or even completing the qualification.”

While others rested between shifts, Anderson dedicated his off hours to mastering systems, reviewing schematics, and learning from the boat’s most experienced watch standers.

“Most of my free time, if not all, was spent studying... trying to gather as much information as possible from the best of the best,” he said. “However, this qualification did not come without sacrificing sleep and leisure time—a submariner’s best friend.”

His commitment didn’t go unnoticed. Leadership aboard Jefferson City—including commanding officer Cmdr. A.J. Franz, Cmdr. Steven Connell, Master Chief Machinist’s Mate (Auxiliary) Chris Halamoutis, Master Chief Machinist’s Mate (Auxiliary) Murphy, and Chief Fire Control Technician Calles—recognized his performance, work ethic, and leadership potential.

“Trusting a 23-year-old with the lives of the crew and a ship over a billion dollars can be daunting, no matter how responsible he or she is,” Anderson reflected.

Jefferson City is a Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine, a key contributor to the Navy’s forward-deployed undersea posture. These submarines provide lethal, agile, and persistent presence—a vital component of the fleet’s warfighting readiness and ability to deter aggression across the Indo-Pacific.

But Anderson’s drive extended far beyond the boat.

Outside his qualification efforts, he took on new personal challenges—founding the Jefferson City Running Club, which began as a few Sailors jogging on weekends and grew into a twiceweekly tradition open to the wider Guam community.

“Now, we meet for group 5k runs twice a week… sometimes seeing new faces even outside of the submarine community,” he said.

He also developed a passion for swimming and cycling, which eventually evolved into something even greater: triathlon.

“Guam’s amazing weather has helped me develop a love for swimming and cycling,” Anderson said. “Combining the three disciplines, I naturally developed a passion for triathlon.”

In April 2025, Anderson took part in the Ironman Texas North American World Championships.

“Running the Ironman wasn’t just a race—it was a battle of willpower from start to finish,” said Anderson. “You’re out there for hours with nothing but your thoughts, your pain, and your purpose. There’s no crowd, no music—just your legs begging you to stop and your mind telling you to keep moving.”

The course demanded everything he had: a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run—all in a single day.

“You learn a lot about yourself out there,” he said. “You’re not racing anyone but doubt—and I wasn’t about to let it win.”

By the time he crossed the finish line, it wasn’t just exhaustion he felt—it was pride.

“It wasn’t about how fast I got there,” Anderson said. “It was about proving to myself that no matter how hard it gets, I don’t quit. And that always comes back to my mantra: Anything is possible.”

The following month, Anderson was meritoriously advanced to petty officer first class—a milestone that recognized not just one achievement, but a consistent pattern of leadership, discipline, and warfighting excellence.

But for Anderson, it’s never been about recognition.

Guam, he says, is more than just a duty station—it’s a proving ground. A place where a Sailor’s strength is tested, and where determination transforms into leadership under pressure. It’s also a place he now proudly calls home.

“With all my qualifications, accolades, and achievements aside,” he said, “I am proud of the mentor, friend, and Sailor I have become today. I would not have traded my experience in Guam for anything else.”

Guam isn’t just far from home—it becomes one. It’s where Sailors grow, forge lifelong bonds, and gain the operational experience that fuels the fleet’s forward readiness. It’s where real missions unfold—where undersea warriors live on a stunning island, stand the watch, and perform meaningful, high-impact work, day in and day out.

“Anything is possible,” Anderson reminds us—and he’s living proof.

Guam Tough isn’t just a slogan—it’s THE standard.

It’s resilience in the face of adversity and long distances.

It’s strength forged in service and honor.

It’s leadership born under pressure.

It’s the reward of knowing you gave it everything—and that it mattered.

That’s Guam Tough.

Naval Base Guam