MILLINGTON, Tenn. - 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 2nd Class Roland Milligracia, a sailor from Yigo, Guam, is one of the sailors supporting a 123-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Milligracia, a 2017 graduate of Simon Sanchez High School, joined the Navy five years ago.
"I wanted to serve my country, and there wasn't a better way in my mind to do so than in the seas on a submarine," said Milligracia.
Today, Milligracia serves as a yeoman (submarines) with Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 located at Naval Base Guam.
"The best part about admin is the problems you solve for other service members, which leads to an increase in morale," said Milligracia.
Skills and values similar to those found in Guam are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
"I worked with many people with different stories and it taught me that no matter who you are if you focus, you can achieve," said Milligracia.
These lessons have helped Milligracia 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, Milligracia 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 the defense of America and its allies.
Serving in the Navy means Milligracia 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 submarine force adds to national defense by having the ability to remain hidden and strike when needed," said Milligracia.
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.
Milligracia and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
"My proudest accomplishment was executing two deployments on a naval nuclear submarine," said Milligracia.
As Milligracia 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 the world to me," added Milligracia. "It gave me a chance to be part of a lifetime brotherhood and protect my loved ones."
Milligracia, a 2017 graduate of Simon Sanchez High School, joined the Navy five years ago.
"I wanted to serve my country, and there wasn't a better way in my mind to do so than in the seas on a submarine," said Milligracia.
Today, Milligracia serves as a yeoman (submarines) with Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 located at Naval Base Guam.
"The best part about admin is the problems you solve for other service members, which leads to an increase in morale," said Milligracia.
Skills and values similar to those found in Guam are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
"I worked with many people with different stories and it taught me that no matter who you are if you focus, you can achieve," said Milligracia.
These lessons have helped Milligracia 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, Milligracia 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 the defense of America and its allies.
Serving in the Navy means Milligracia 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 submarine force adds to national defense by having the ability to remain hidden and strike when needed," said Milligracia.
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.
Milligracia and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
"My proudest accomplishment was executing two deployments on a naval nuclear submarine," said Milligracia.
As Milligracia 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 the world to me," added Milligracia. "It gave me a chance to be part of a lifetime brotherhood and protect my loved ones."