GROTON, Conn. - A Toms River, New Jersey, 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 1st Class Jonathan Cruz is teaching sailors the skills needed to operate aboard submarines so they can successfully complete missions around the world.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to learn how to scuba dive,” said Cruz. “My uncle also influenced my decision. He was a submariner in Vietnam.”
Growing up in Toms River, Cruz attended Toms River High School North and graduated in 2006.
Skills and values similar to those found in Toms River are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I learned in Toms River how to have a good work ethic,” said Cruz. “I joined the Navy a little later in life. After high school, I went straight to work and that really helped me develop a good work ethic. Having a good work ethic keeps me focused and moving forward.”
These lessons have helped Cruz 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 Cruz 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."
“Our presence is important to national defense,” said Cruz. “Submarines are the number one deterrent for our enemies.”
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.
Cruz and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am proud of completing a site survey in the Solomon Islands on a downed B-24 from World War II,” said Cruz. “We didn't really know the location, so we had to use side scan sonar. We were able to locate it and do a site survey on it. It was close to 100 ft underwater and it was fully intact. The whole process of going into foreign waters and being able to use the skills and training I've acquired to actually see something people didn't even know about was amazing.”
As Cruz 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 being part of a team and being a team player,” said Cruz. “It means doing something that benefits not only me but the nation as a whole.”
Cruz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I am grateful for my uncle, my parents and my family,” added Cruz. “They forged me into who I am and they prepared me for the Navy.”