GROTON, Conn. - Submariners make up only 10 percent of the U.S. Navy’s personnel, but they play a critical role in carrying out one of the Defense Department’s most important missions: strategic deterrence. Petty Officer 2nd Class Zachary Marini, a sailor from Santa Rita, Guam, is continuing a 123-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Marini joined the Navy five and a half years ago and today serves as a fire control technician aboard USS South Dakota.
“I joined the Navy to continue a tradition of family service,” said Marini. “My dad, uncle and both grandfathers all served in the Navy.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Santa Rita are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I learned in my hometown the importance of unit cohesion,” said Marini. “That’s important because if everyone is working towards the same goal, that makes it a lot easier to accomplish than if we were all working towards separate goals.”
These lessons have helped Marini while serving in the Navy.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators!,” 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 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 be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S. - replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.
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.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Marini is part of a rich history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in defense of America and its allies.
“If we didn’t have subs, it would be like a shark with no teeth,” said Marini. “The animal would still be cool but there would be no bite. We are the “bite of the military” deterring adversary aggression, so they don’t threaten our country or way of life.”
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Marini and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of earning my Submarine Warfare Device or ‘dolphins’,” said Marini. “I am proud of that because it is not just a warfare device. It means that the crew trusts you with their lives. It also means that if anything bad happens underway, the guy beside you knows you can handle it.”
As Marini and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Other countries have mandatory military service but America’s Navy is all volunteer,” said Marini. “Being in the Navy means I am voluntarily doing my part to serve and protect our country.”
Marini is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my dad, Richard, for raising me as a submariner my whole life,” added Marini.
Skills and values similar to those found in Santa Rita are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I learned in my hometown the importance of unit cohesion,” said Marini. “That’s important because if everyone is working towards the same goal, that makes it a lot easier to accomplish than if we were all working towards separate goals.”
These lessons have helped Marini while serving in the Navy.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators!,” 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 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 be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S. - replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.
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.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Marini is part of a rich history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in defense of America and its allies.
“If we didn’t have subs, it would be like a shark with no teeth,” said Marini. “The animal would still be cool but there would be no bite. We are the “bite of the military” deterring adversary aggression, so they don’t threaten our country or way of life.”
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Marini and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of earning my Submarine Warfare Device or ‘dolphins’,” said Marini. “I am proud of that because it is not just a warfare device. It means that the crew trusts you with their lives. It also means that if anything bad happens underway, the guy beside you knows you can handle it.”
As Marini and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Other countries have mandatory military service but America’s Navy is all volunteer,” said Marini. “Being in the Navy means I am voluntarily doing my part to serve and protect our country.”
Marini is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my dad, Richard, for raising me as a submariner my whole life,” added Marini.