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. Fireman Nathynn Rougeux, a native of Pittsfield, Pennsylvania, 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 |
Rougeux joined the Navy a year and today serves as a fire control technician aboard USS South Dakota.
“My grandpa was in the Coast Guard, so I decided I wanted to try and carry on his legacy,” said Rougeux. “I also wanted to do something not a lot of people can say they’ve done. That’s why I chose the submarine service.”
Rougeux attended Youngsville Middle High School and graduated in 2021.
Skills and values similar to those found in Pittsfield are important to succeed in the military.
“My parents taught me that procrastination is a killer and how to have a good work ethic,” said Rougeux. "I know when I'm at work, I need to work and when I'm off work, to enjoy it."
These lessons have helped Rougeux 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, Rougeux 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 protecting our territories and keeping our waterways safe,” said Rougeux.
As Rougeux 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 makes my family proud and my country proud,” said Rougeux. "It feels good to know that I'm making them proud."
Rougeux is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'm grateful to my parents and to all the commands that have brought me up to the point where I am,” added Rougeux.