BANGOR, Wash. – An Atlantic Beach, Florida, native is serving aboard USS Kentucky, one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines.
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| Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Jake Joy, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
“There’s a long line of Julianas that served in the Navy,” said Juliana. “It just runs in my family. My great grandfather was a cryptologic technician, my grandfather was in aviation, and my father worked in supply.”
Juliana attended Duncan U. Fletcher High School and graduated in 2009. Today, Juliana uses skills and values similar to those found in Atlantic Beach.
“With my family being very military heavy, they brought a lot of that stuff and made it a part of our home life,” said Juliana. “My father was very keen on being on time. He was very ‘yes sir’, ‘no sir.’ It has definitely helped my career, because I'm hardly late. If I'm late, there’s a problem.”
These lessons have helped Juliana while serving aboard USS Kentucky.
Known as America’s “Silent Service,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).
Fast-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; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare.
The Navy's ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as "boomers," serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles.
Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes. As a member of the submarine force, Juliana is part of a rich 121-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.
Serving in the Navy means Juliana is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“With my job, one of the biggest things is strategic deterrence,” said Juliana. “It's the notion that we are always ready and alert to respond in the event that there's a catastrophe.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through underwater fiber optic, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, and for decades Naval Submarine Base Bangor has been home to Ohio Class ballistic-missile submarines. Beginning in 2028, the new Columbia Class ballistic-missile submarines will arrive and provide continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.
Juliana and other sailors have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Before I joined this command I was at Cape Canaveral working with a Naval Ordnance Test Unit,” said Juliana. “Their job was certifying and testing the missiles on the submarines. They do test launches on the missiles. Part of my job was being a supervisor for that. Being on board to certify that the weapon system works was pretty awesome.”
As Juliana and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions to support national defense, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“It means a lot of pride,” added Juliana. “This job isn't for everybody. It's definitely harder than most professions. Those who are willing to serve are tougher than many, because this job is a lot physically and mentally.”