GROTON, Conn. - A Queens, New York, 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 Chinmaya Lopez is learning what is needed to operate aboard submarines so they can successfully complete missions around the world.
“I joined the Navy to serve the nation and because I wanted to travel,” said Lopez.
Skills and values similar to those found in Queens are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“The community I grew up in puts a big emphasis on family and hard work,” said Lopez. “It's ingrained in me to work hard and to be squared away, not only for myself but for my shipmates as well.”
These lessons have helped Lopez 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 Lopez 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 national defense because we protect the seas,” said Lopez. “We defend freedom and democracy around the world.”
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.
Lopez and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am proud that I have finished my first school because it was very long and challenging,” said Lopez. “I'm also proud that I've earned automatic advancement to the rank of petty officer second class.”
As Lopez 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 a lot to me because I get to be a part of the 1% of Americans who choose to serve,” said Lopez. “I'm very proud to be the first one in my family to serve. It's very special.”
Lopez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am thankful for my mom,” added Lopez. “She's been by herself all my life. She's strong and independent, raising three sons by herself. She's always been my number one supporter.”