SAN DIEGO - A Branson, Missouri, native is serving at Commander, Submarine Squadron 11, which supports the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Phillip Kim, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Seaman Joanna Padilla, a 2020 Branson High School graduate, joined the Navy one year ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to help people,” said Padilla. “I also joined because I wanted to get college paid for, and receive all the benefits afforded to me by the Navy."
Today, Padilla relies upon skills and values from lessons learned in Branson to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, my mom taught me to be independent,” said Padilla. “I also learned from my teachers to always try your hardest.”
Known as America’s “apex predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically-advanced vessels. These submarines can conduct rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, to further 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 hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships, according to Navy officials. They also strike targets ashore with cruise missiles, carry and deliver Navy SEALs, engage in mine warfare and conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
The Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet combatant commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.
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.
The Columbia-class SSBN will replace the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s. It will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the United States.
Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform.
Each SSGN can carry 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.
Strategic deterrence is the Nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Padilla is part of a rich 122-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy to defend America and its allies.
Serving in the Navy means Padilla is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to national defense because we protect the oceans around the world from adversaries that may want to bring harm to us or our allies,” said Padilla.
More than 90 percent of all trade travels by sea, and fiber optic cables on the ocean floor carry 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic.
Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to ready sailors and a strong Navy.
“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations.“The U.S. Navy – forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power – deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”
Sailors like Padilla, have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest moment in the Navy was being accepted to corpsman school,” said Padilla. “Originally, I didn’t qualify for it but I worked hard and eventually made it.”
As Padilla and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means making those who fought before us proud,” added Padilla. “It’s being able to say I put others before myself.”