KINGS BAY, Ga. – Seaman Gerardo Fernandez, from Toabaja, Puerto Rico, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS West Virginia at Naval Submarine Base (NSB) Kings Bay. As a submariner, Fernandez is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Fernandez graduated from Chicopee Comprehensive High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Toabaja.
"A lesson that I learned from my dad is that if you don't struggle to earn it, then you won't fully learn it," Fernandez said. "That's why I work so hard to accomplish all my goals. Even once I complete my goals, I will keep striving and pushing myself for more challenges ahead."
Fernandez joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Fernandez serves as a culinary specialist (submarines).
"Ever since I was a child my parents inspired me to join the military," Fernandez said. "Since I was young, I knew I wanted to be a Navy sailor. With the inspiration and support of my parents, I achieved my goal of joining the strongest navy in the world."
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, Fernandez 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.
Fernandez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"My proudest accomplishment is being qualified in submarines because it means that I can support my shipmates in fighting casualties and saving the boat," Fernandez said.
Fernandez serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
"Being in the Navy means a lot to me," Fernandez said. "During my years in the Navy, I have learned to manage my time to give quality food for the crew. My division all strives to give delicious meals to the crew because we want to help raise the moral of the boat. In turn, that results in our boat operating as an elite team to complete the mission at hand."
Fernandez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"I want to thank my mom and dad for supporting my naval career," Fernandez added. "My parents have always supported me even when times were getting tough. They never stopped being my backbone in making my Navy career come to fruition."