BANGOR, Wash. – A Ogden, Utah, 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 |
“I have a family history of naval service,” said Ardito. “My grandfather served in WWII. His ship was sunk by a Japanese Kamikaze, and he lived to tell the tale.”
Ardito attended St. Joseph Catholic High School and graduated in 2003. Today, Ardito uses skills and values similar to those found in Ogden.
“I learned to maintain mental toughness,” said Ardito. “It's not about being the strongest, fastest, or smartest. It's about resiliency and being able to bounce back.”
These lessons have helped Ardito 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, Ardito 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 Ardito 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.
“Strategic deterrence is our number one mission of the Department of Defense,” said Ardito.
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.
Ardito and other sailors have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of being selected for my executive officer tour here,” said Ardito. “It's a pretty highly selective process. I've already been selected to be commander.”
As Ardito 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.
“My approach to serving is looking at it like servant leadership,” added Ardito. “I want to look out for sailors that need mentoring and coaching, so they can develop into better men and women.”