KINGS BAY, Ga. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Fernando Menjura, a resident of Jacksonville, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS West Virginia at Naval Submarine Base (NSB) Kings Bay.
As a submariner, Menjura is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Jacksonville.
“Working in the landscaping and pool industry taught me that perseverance and grit are qualities that are valued in any work environment,” Menjura said. “This has helped me become the sailor I am today. The non-stop working mentality has gotten me so far in the Navy, and I keep that mentality to strive and become more qualified than I was yesterday. Every single day, I want to learn new things and teach my shipmates what it takes to be great.”
Menjura joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Menjura serves as an electronics technician (submarine navigation).
“I aspired to be the first military member of my bloodline and realized the future benefits the Navy could provide for myself and my family,” Menjura said. “I aspired to make my family proud and get my life on track for a great future.”
NSB Kings Bay is the homeport of East Coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines. These submarines are capable of conducting operations in the Atlantic, Arctic, Eastern Pacific, and Indian Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea. NSB Kings Bay is also the only Navy base with the capability to support the Trident II missile, the most sophisticated nuclear missile designed to be launched from a submarine.
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.
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 submariner, Menjura is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel serving aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in 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.
Menjura has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of qualifying as Quartermaster of the Watch, as it made me feel like I was a part of something bigger than myself,” Menjura said. “I have also helped my shipmates qualify for their Submarine Warfare pin, and I am very proud of that because the more shipmates that I help, the better the future Navy will be.”
Menjura 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 has given me a sense of family that no other workforce could provide; an unbreakable bond that holds us together, protecting all our loved ones,” Menjura said. “It gives me pride. Serving in the Navy does not involve only a few people; it involves everyone doing their job so we can keep the nation safe.”
Menjura is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents for always supporting me even when times were tough, allowing me to prosper the way that I have,” Menjura added. “I also want to thank my wife, who has been super supportive of my commitment to the Navy. She helps me get through all the tough times.”