GROTON, Conn. - A Clarksville, Tennessee, native is in training to be a part of 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, Seaman Nick Albert Sablan is learning what is needed to operate aboard submarines so they can successfully complete missions around the world.
“I joined the Navy to travel and learn new skills,” said Sablan. “I get to do all that while serving my country and getting paid.”
Growing up in Saipan, Mariana Islands, Sablan moved to Clarksville and attended Northeast High School and graduated in 2022.
Skills and values similar to those found in Clarksville are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“There is a saying in Saipan, 'Be like a coconut tree,’” said Sablan. “A coconut tree can withstand the winds of a typhoon. It will bend and not break. This applies to all areas of life. I will face hardships in the Navy, but I will be like the coconut tree and not break down.”
These lessons have helped Sablan 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 Sablan 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 is important to our national security because we protect our seas,” said Sablan. "We maintain the freedom of navigation."
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.
Sablan and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am proud that I was able to hold the recruit chief petty officer position in basic training,” said Sablan. “It was challenging holding additional responsibilities throughout boot camp. I am also proud that I graduated from Basic Enlisted Submarine School with distinction.”
As Sablan and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Joining the Navy is a sacrifice,” said Sablan. “I do it for the love of my people and the love of my country.”
Sablan is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am grateful for my recruit division commander in boot camp, Petty Officer 1st Class Edward Andrew,” added Sablan. “He provided me words of wisdom and has inspired me to want to be an RDC in the future. I'm also very grateful for my fiance, Amber Kimberling. She doesn't give up on me, and she stands by me through everything.”