GROTON, Conn. - A Tucson, Arizona, 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 Apprentice Luis E. Ornelas Soto is learning what is needed to operate aboard submarines so they can successfully complete missions around the world.
“I come from a very patriotic community, so it inspired me to join the Navy,” said Ornelas Soto.
Growing up in Tucson, Ornelas Soto attended Marana High School and graduated in 2022.
Skills and values similar to those found in Tucson are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I was taught not to be late and not to lie,” said Ornelas Soto. “These qualities help me every day in life and in the Navy."
These lessons have helped Ornelas Soto 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 Ornelas Soto 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 protects the seas,” said Ornelas Soto. “It provides maritime security and keeps the shipping lanes free.”
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.
Ornelas Soto and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am proud of completing boot camp,” said Ornelas Soto. “It was challenging and I look forward to the challenges of being in the submarine community.”
As Ornelas Soto and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy is becoming a small part of a large family,” said Ornelas Soto. “I'm happy to be a part of it.”
Ornelas Soto is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'm grateful for my parents and my recruit division commanders at boot camp,” added Ornelas Soto. “They all pushed me to be better.”