Cypress native develops next generation of submariners

CYPRESS, TX -- Chief Petty Officer Zakaria Sheikh, a native of Cypress, Texas, is developing the next generation of submariners while serving as an Instructor at Submarine Learning Facility (SLF) Norfolk.

Sheikh graduated from Cypress Springs High School in 2015.

“I was in the foster care system growing up,” Sheikh said. “I learned to have respect for the regions in which people come from and it taught me an appreciation for how different people are.”

Sheikh joined the Navy eight years ago.

“I joined the Navy because college didn’t really work out for me,” Sheikh said. “I wanted to try something new for myself. I felt like joining was going to give me purpose.”

Today, Sheikh serves as an electronics technician (navigation).

SLF Norfolk develops officers and enlisted personnel in submarine engineering, combat systems, navigation and ship control. Through modernized training and tactical instruction, SLF Norfolk prepares sailors in the Navy’s undersea warfare community to serve in combat and peacetime operations.

This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Sheikh has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy was qualifying as an assistant navigator,” Sheikh said. “That job is the person who gives counsel to the navigator and the captain.”

Sheikh serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy means when the nation calls my submarine to go somewhere in the country,” Sheikh said. “My sailors and I will be ready to go to that area and protect the families and citizens of the United States.”

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

“I would like to thank ETVCS Edward (Andy) Holley," Sheikh added. “He was my first Assistant Navigator. I worked with him for four years, and met him in A school. He put me under his wing and showed me how to do his job. I would not be a chief if it wasn’t for him.”