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 3rd Class Lorenzo Zabala, a native of Katy, Texas, is one of the sailors continuing a 123-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Zabala joined the Navy two years ago and today serves as a sonar technician (submarines) aboard USS Indiana.
“I joined the Navy because I felt stuck in my situation at home,” said Zabala. “I finally decided to take a step out of my comfort zone and do something I have always wanted to do.”
Growing up in Katy, Zabala attended Katy High School and graduated in 2017.
Skills and values similar to those found in Katy are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I grew up in a big football town and was on the team all four years of high school,” said Zabala. “Through that, I learned the importance of teamwork and hard work. I was always taught that I have to work to be the best. My dad was the same way and he also taught me that we have to work hard to provide for our family. Teamwork is important because you can't accomplish anything here without teamwork. In the Navy, we have to rely on others to make sure that everything is taken care of and that we can get home safely.”
These lessons have helped Zabala 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, Zabala 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.
“The Navy contributes to national defense by conducting strategic deterrence operations,” said Zabala. “Our presence alone is enough to ensure adversaries don’t take hostile aggression against us.”
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.
Zabala and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest Navy accomplishment is qualifying an at-sea watch station,” said Zabala. “It makes me proud that I am able to support the boat and give flexibility to the watch bill. Qualifying also gives the person I am relieving the opportunity to move up, so they can qualify for the next watch.”
As Zabala 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 means being a part of something greater than yourself,” said Zabala. “It also means making sacrifices that not everyone is willing to make. Someone has to make them though, so why not be that person? I know that my sacrifices benefit my family though, and are setting me up for a better future.”
Zabala is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Oscar Perezurrutia for guiding me when I got to the boat, and showing me how I can set myself apart from my peers,” added Zabala. “I also want to thank Chief Deline, for guiding me and supporting me. He showed me what good leadership is.”