GROTON, Conn. - A St. Paul Park, Minnesota, 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 Bilen Henok is learning the skills needed to operate aboard submarines so they can successfully complete missions around the world.
“My friend and I originally planned to join the Navy together,” said Henok. “I also joined because I didn’t know what I wanted to do in college.”
Growing up in St. Paul Park, Henok attended Park High School and graduated in 2021.
Skills and values similar to those found in St. Paul Park are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I learned in my hometown that you won't always get along with everyone, but as long as you have a common goal, things will get done,” said Henok. “That is especially important in the Navy because you will meet all different types of people, and you have to learn to work with them.”
These lessons have helped Henok 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 Henok 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.
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.
Henok and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am proud of my perseverance to keep going in the Navy,” said Henok. “My entire Navy career has been difficult, but I’ve never given up even if I wanted to.”
As Henok 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 doing my part to protect our country,” said Henok.
Henok is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank all the people I have met so far in my career because, without them, I would have given up and would not have lived up to my full potential,” added Henok.