GROTON, Conn. - A Boynton Beach, Florida, native is training sailors to continue a 123-year tradition of service under the sea.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Submariners play a critical role in carrying out one of the Defense Department’s most important missions: strategic deterrence. As a student at Navy Submarine School, Petty Officer 1st Class Marcus Rios is teaching sailors the skills needed to operate aboard submarines so they can successfully complete missions around the world.
“I was at Florida Atlantic University when the recession hit, so I started looking for other career opportunities outside of college,” said Rios. “I chose the Navy because it gave me the opportunity to travel while gaining valuable work experience.”
Growing up in Boynton Beach, Rios attended Boynton Beach Community High School and graduated in 2007.
Skills and values similar to those found in Boynton Beach are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“South Florida is very diverse,” said Rios. “Because of that, I am naturally comfortable with being able to effectively communicate with people of different backgrounds and experiences, which is a critical skill in Navy leadership.”
These lessons have helped Rios 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."
Serving in the Navy means Rios is part of a team 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 utilizes submarines and advanced technology to maintain a global presence and deter potential threats,” said Rios. “The Navy operates in all different environments and has the ability to respond at a moment's notice.”
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.
Rios and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am proud to earn my designation as a Master Training Specialist because it is the Navy's method of identifying me as a subject matter expert,” said Rios. “It certifies my credibility to instruct, mentor and evaluate educational delivery of curriculum products dealing with nuclear power.”
As Rios 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's submarine force is a great opportunity to be a part of a highly trained and specialized team that is dedicated to ensuring the safety of our country through eliminating threats to our national security,” said Rios. “I love the camaraderie of the submarine community.”
Rios is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I am grateful for my parents,” added Rios. “They both served in the Navy and hearing their travel experiences influenced my decision to select the Navy as my branch of service.”