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. Lt. j.g. Frank Dibartolomeo, a native of Centreville, Virginia, is one of the sailors 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 |
Dibartolomeo joined the Navy three years ago and today serves aboard USS Indiana.
“I think it's important to be in the military, not only to defend and aid the country, but it's also an opportunity of great significance,” said Dibartolomeo. “It’s more significant than what I can do in the civilian world. I wanted a job that gave me meaning and challenged me.”
Dibartolomeo attended Paul VI Catholic High School and graduated in 2016.
Skills and values similar to those found in Centreville are important to succeed in the military.
“My dad taught me that if you let emotion get in the way of getting a job done, you'll only cause more pain for yourself and those around you,” said Dibartolomeo. “He taught me that, not through words, but through his actions. I applied that to the Navy and everything we do. The job we do is high stress, if you let that stress get to you it's going to make the job worse.”
These lessons have helped Dibartolomeo 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, Dibartolomeo 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.
“I would say the Navy is the asset that sets the United States apart from all other countries in terms of the effectiveness and presence,” said Dibartolomeo. “There is no other navy in the history of the world that has the presence the U.S. Navy has. The United States Navy is the most powerful asset the United States military has for our national defense.”
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.
As Dibartolomeo and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I have a sense of pride to do the job that is required of me,” said Dibartolomeo. “The job that is required for all submariners is one of the most difficult lifestyles in the Navy. I am proud to be able to assist in making the submarine force a more lethal fighting force.”
Dibartolomeo is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am grateful for my dad because he has helped me a lot,” added Dibartolomeo. “He instilled in me the discipline that is required to be able to work a job like this.”