GROTON, Conn. – 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 Jason Schultz, a native of Reno, Nevada, is one of the sailors continuing a 123-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, |
Schultz joined the Navy three years ago and today serves aboard USS Indiana.
“Joining the military was an impulse decision, honestly,” said Schultz. “Whenever I was talking to my dad about joining the military, he said you'll probably get the farthest in the Navy. So I joined the Navy.”
Schultz attended Damonte Ranch High School and graduated in 2019.
Schultz attended Damonte Ranch High School and graduated in 2019.
Skills and values similar to those found in Reno are important to succeed in the military.
“‘Many hands make light work,’ my band director used to say that all the time,” said Schultz. “It's helped me develop a better team mindset working onboard the boat.”
“‘Many hands make light work,’ my band director used to say that all the time,” said Schultz. “It's helped me develop a better team mindset working onboard the boat.”
These lessons have helped Dibartolomeo 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.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Schultz 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 defense of America and its allies.
“We are important because the ocean is the largest territory on the planet,” said Schultz. “Having a presence on it helps us defend it.”
“We are important because the ocean is the largest territory on the planet,” said Schultz. “Having a presence on it helps us defend it.”
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.
As Schultz and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving is a stepping stone into my next career outside of the Navy,” added Schultz. “It's one step to being able to support my family and reach my personal goals outside of the Navy.”
Schultz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am grateful for my wife and her support,” added Schultz. “She's a great emotional support for me.”