GROTON, Conn. - A Sparks, Nevada, native is training sailors to continue 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 an instructor at Navy Submarine School, Petty Officer 2nd Class Victor Ventimilla is teaching sailors the skills needed to operate aboard submarines so they can successfully complete missions around the world.
“I wanted to join because I didn't have the desire to go to college,” said Ventimilla. My brother was also in the Navy and my uncle was in the Marines. They told me it would be a good option for me.”
Growing up in Sparks, Ventimilla attended Edward C. Reed High School and graduated in 2017.
Skills and values similar to those found in Sparks are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“Nevada is the home of the Battle Born,” said Ventimilla. “I was raised to work hard and always finish the job no matter how tough it is. Submarines are tough, but I am able to adapt and overcome.”
These lessons have helped Ventimilla 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 Ventimilla 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 helps keep the nation safe by protecting our oceans,” said Ventimilla. “We maintain the freedom of navigation.”
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.
Ventimilla and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m proud of my first Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal,” said Ventimilla. “I had been on board the submarine for six months when I earned it. We were underway and running drills and it was my first time standing this watch alone so I was extremely nervous. We were doing a fire drill and we were about to run the engine while submerged. When they started the engine, the control watch station missed a step in the procedure and I immediately noticed. I performed my actions without guidance and saved the diesel engine from flooding by 2 seconds. I am proud of this because I proved to myself I was capable to stand this watch and I was more than capable of being an incredible submariner.”
As Ventimilla 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, especially the submarine force, has given me something to be proud of.,” said Ventimilla. “I have a son and I will be proud to be able to tell him all I accomplished while in the Navy when he gets older.”
Ventimilla is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I'm grateful for my oldest brother for leading me into the Navy,” added Ventimilla.