BANGOR, Wash. – A Bournie, Texas, 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 fair amount of military in my family,” Consuegra said. “It's a respected profession. I only really decided to go into it when I knew that I wouldn't follow through with college at that point in my life. It would give my life direction and offer a little bit of structure.”
Consuegra attended Hernando High School in Florida and graduated in 2005. Today, Consuegra uses skills and values similar to those found in Bournie.
“I learned basic morals,” Consuegra said. “I had a step-father who went to military school, so a lot of values he instilled carried over pretty well. I learned to have the guts to tell the truth when it matters, and do the right thing just because it's the right thing to do.”
These lessons have helped Consuegra 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, Consuegra 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 Consuegra 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.
“The submarine platform is the top of the tiers for that,” Consuegra said. “Nuclear deterrence as a whole basically prevents us from going to war on a grand scale because we have the ability to hold other countries accountable.”
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.
Consuegra and other sailors have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of making it as long as I have in the military,” Consuegra said. “Now that I’m senior enlisted I'm experiencing the Navy from a different perspective. It’s one of a leader and a trainer, not just as a student.”
As Consuegra 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's always a two-way street,” Consuegra said. “You get what you put in. You have to help the Navy help you. Aside from pride and heritage and service to country, it's an opportunity like no other. There's no other company that provides the same support and benefits. It asks a lot of you, but it also shows you just how much you have that you can give.”