By Lt.
Cmdr. Gus T. Hein, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SANTA RITA, Guam - A 2003 American
Senior High School graduate and Miami native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part the staff of Submarine
Squadron 15.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Rafuls is serving aboard Naval Base Guam, supporting sailors
who serve aboard forward-deployed submarines.
He
serves as the mechanic for the weapons delivery system for the
submarines.
“I really enjoy working with the technology and weapons
systems like the Tomohawk,” said Rafuls.
Attack submarines are designed to hunt
down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with
cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; carry out intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. Their primary tactical advantage is stealth,
operating undetected under the sea for long periods of time.
“Guam sailors are located at our
nation’s most strategically important forward-deployed submarine base, and the
missions they conduct at the tip of the spear are incredible,” said Capt. David
Schappert, Commander, Submarine Squadron 15. “They are constantly challenged
and continually rise to meet and exceed expectations. Guam is the place to be
for submariners, and we have the ‘Go Guam!’ initiative to showcase all the
great things we do out here.”
Because Guam sailors are located at one of our nation’s most
strategically important forward-deployed submarine bases, these sailors are
considered the first line of defense in the Pacific, according to Navy
officials.
"These sailors continue to impress me with the level of
effort and expertise they put into successfully completing their mission day-in
and day-out," Rear Adm. Frederick Roegge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S.
Pacific Fleet, said. "Their actions and dedication to service enables the
Submarine Force to excel in the undersea domain."
“The job
I have has a direct impact on the efficiency of the ship," said Rafuls. "I
get to perform maintenance on highly sophisticated equipment. I can really make a difference solving some
of the difficult technical problems.”
The integrated crew of sailors and civilian
mariners builds a strong fellowship while working alongside
each other, Rafuls
explained. The crews are highly
motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work,
watches and drills.