KINGS BAY, Ga. – A Rio Rico, Arizona, native is serving aboard USS Georgia, one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Rae Moreno |
Petty Officer 2nd Class Ana Mercado, a 2016 Rio Rico High School graduate, joined the Navy four years ago.
“I joined the Navy at first because I really liked the opportunities the Navy provides,” said Mercado. “Being a nuke, you can almost go directly into working at a plant in the civilian field. The longer I was here though, the more I appreciated what we do for the country and our defense. I was also interested in being one of the first few females on submarines. I wanted to make sure the future females on submarines were set to succeed.”
Today, Mercado serves as a machinist’s mate (nuclear), whose responsibilities include maintaining the nuclear plant's mechanical systems, operating and performing maintenance on them and working in the engine room.
According to Mercado, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Rio Rico.
“I'm from a mostly Hispanic community where everyone is accepting of everyone,” said Mercado. “Coming to a submarine where people are from everywhere, it is nice to be able to have good communication and be able to get along with everyone.”
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, Mercado 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 Mercado 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 Navy contributes to national security through deterrence and being in the water 24/7,” said Mercado.
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. A major component of that maritime security is homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.
“We do two big things here in King’s Bay: we send SSBNs on Strategic Deterrence Patrols and we forward deploy our guided missile submarines overseas,” said Rear Adm. John Spencer, Commander, Submarine Group Ten. “This work is essential to uphold the number one mission of the Navy: strategic deterrence. And this is the only home port for both of these types of submarines on the East Coast.”
Strategic deterrence is the Nation’s ultimate insurance program, and for decades, Kings Bay has been home to Ohio Class SSBN 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.
As Mercado and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“It is an honor to be a part of this community and be able to defend our rights,” added Mercado.