GROTON, Conn. - A Phoenix, Arizona, native is in training to be a part of a 123-year tradition of service under the sea.
 |
| 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 Recruit Ian Figueroa is learning what is needed to operate aboard submarines so they can successfully complete missions around the world.
“Most of my family has been in the military,” said Figueroa. “So I joined the Navy because it felt like the right place for me."
Growing up in Phoenix, Figueroa attended International Commerce High School and graduated in 2020.
Skills and values similar to those found in Phoenix are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I learned in my hometown to show up on time and get what you're told to get done, done,” said Figueroa. “Those lessons directly apply to the Navy as well.”
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 Figueroa 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 uses all platforms, sea, air and land, to protect the U.S.,” said Figueroa. “We operate in all different environments and have the ability to respond at a moment's notice when needed.
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.
Figueroa and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of graduating from boot camp and Basic Enlisted Submarine School,” said Figueroa. “I worked hard and studied at night. I am proud of that because I'm one step closer to my goal of becoming a sonar technician on submarines.”
As Figueroa 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 I am fulfilling a family tradition,” said Figueroa.
Figueroa is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am grateful for my father, Allen Figueroa, and my mother, Cheryl Koch,” added Figueroa.