GROTON, Conn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Nyriian Jiggetts, a native of Chesterfield, Virginia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Hyman G. Rickover, homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
As a submariner, Jiggetts is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who serve under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Jiggetts graduated from Lloyd C. Bird High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Chesterfield.
“My hometown was a melting pot full of people with all different perspectives,” Jiggetts said. “Growing up there helped me understand my shipmates better. I’m able to relate more easily because of my experience.”
Jiggetts joined the Navy more than three years ago. Today, Jiggetts serves as an information systems technician (electronic warfare) aboard USS Hyman G. Rickover, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to be able to have a career and be successful like my cousin,” Jiggetts said. “My cousin just retired from the Navy after 25 years.”
Known as America’s “Apex Predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security. A major component of that maritime security is homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut, known as the “Submarine Capital of the World.”
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines, ballistic-missile submarines and guided-missile submarines.
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 fast-attack submarine 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. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines 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 guided-missile submarine 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, Jiggetts is part of the rich 125-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Jiggetts has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of my progression in my career and earning my boat the Green ‘E’,” Jiggetts said. “That means we’re the best electronic warfare division in our squadron. When I first came to the boat, I was super junior, but I showed that I was able to adapt quickly and do well. It makes me feel good because I went from being a junior guy no one knew to being one of the top second classes on board. I’m a trusted person who people can come to in the electronic warfare division.”
Jiggetts serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me because I can support my family,” Jiggetts said.
Jiggetts is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family because without their support, I wouldn’t be here,” Jiggetts said.
Jiggetts offered advice to anyone considering a path in the military.
“The Navy is the best option for anyone who doesn’t think college is a viable option for them right after high school,” Jiggetts added.