GROTON, Conn. - Petty Officer 1st Class Justin Ramirez, a native of the Bronx, New York, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Hyman G. Rickover, homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London.
As a submariner, Ramirez is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who serve under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in the Bronx.
“My hometown taught me that nothing is ever given, only earned,” Ramirez said. “If you want something, you have to work for it and get it. Don't wait for it to be handed to you.”
Ramirez joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Ramirez serves as a yeoman (submarine) aboard USS Hyman G. Rickover, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine.
“I joined the Navy to be different from my community and to represent my Puerto Rican and Italian culture,” Ramirez said.
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, Ramirez 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.
Ramirez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My accomplishment of being Adm. James Caldwell’s yeoman was the proudest moment of my career,” Ramirez said. “This opportunity got me meritoriously advanced to petty officer first class.”
Ramirez 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 you have expectations,” Ramirez said. “It’s about how you show yourself, how you present yourself and act.”
Ramirez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my spouse and best friend, Mackenzie, and my family for their support,” Ramirez said. “My wife left the beautiful city of San Diego to be with me.”
Ramirez has advice for those who need direction in life.
“I would give advice to those who don’t have a plan in life to join the Navy,” Ramirez added. “I’m not telling you to stay in for the full 20 years, but take advantage of what the military has to offer. There are plenty of opportunities.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
As a submariner, Ramirez is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who serve under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in the Bronx.
“My hometown taught me that nothing is ever given, only earned,” Ramirez said. “If you want something, you have to work for it and get it. Don't wait for it to be handed to you.”
Ramirez joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Ramirez serves as a yeoman (submarine) aboard USS Hyman G. Rickover, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine.
“I joined the Navy to be different from my community and to represent my Puerto Rican and Italian culture,” Ramirez said.
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, Ramirez 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.
Ramirez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My accomplishment of being Adm. James Caldwell’s yeoman was the proudest moment of my career,” Ramirez said. “This opportunity got me meritoriously advanced to petty officer first class.”
Ramirez 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 you have expectations,” Ramirez said. “It’s about how you show yourself, how you present yourself and act.”
Ramirez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my spouse and best friend, Mackenzie, and my family for their support,” Ramirez said. “My wife left the beautiful city of San Diego to be with me.”
Ramirez has advice for those who need direction in life.
“I would give advice to those who don’t have a plan in life to join the Navy,” Ramirez added. “I’m not telling you to stay in for the full 20 years, but take advantage of what the military has to offer. There are plenty of opportunities.”