SAN DIEGO - A San Diego, California, 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 Sang Kim, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Petty Officer 3rd Class Kitara Torres joined the Navy almost six years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted a challenge,” Torres said. “My brother was in, so I wanted to follow in his footsteps and serve too.”
Today, Torres serves as a nuclear machinist's mate.
A nuclear machinist's mate is responsible for maintaining aircraft carrier propulsion systems.
Torres relies upon skills and values from lessons learned in San Diego to succeed in the military.
“I learned to value community from my hometown,” said Torres. “The military is one big community. It's important to get along and realize we're all in this together.”
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, Torres 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 Torres 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 protects international waters to ensure the seas remain free and secure,” said Torres.
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 Torres, have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“It's an honor just to serve in the Navy,” said Torres. “I'm proud of being a part of this team.”
As Torres and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“By serving in the Navy, I get to be a part of something bigger than myself,” added Torres. “I get to be a role model to my younger family members while I help defend the country.”