GROTON, Conn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Amadeus Vazquez, whose family resides in San Diego, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Submarine Readiness Squadron (SRS) 32, 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, Vazquez is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who serve under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Vazquez, a native of Glendora, California, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from American Military University in 2025 and is expected to finish a master’s degree in intelligence studies through the same university in 2028.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Diego, where Vazquez’s uncle and daughter live.
“I was homeless and hopping from home to home, and high school wrestling taught me discipline and how to be kind to others,” Vazquez said. “When you’re on the mat, nothing else matters. You have to learn the balance of training and know how far is too far and how to help others when struggling with technique. No matter what, everyone wrestles with their own problems, but it’s a sense of humility that puts you in other people’s shoes. Wrestling in general helped me see I’m not the only one who comes from humble beginnings. Someone always has it worse.”
Vazquez joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Vazquez serves as an electronics technician (submarine navigation).
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to serve a life of purpose and honor,” Vazquez said. “I wanted my work to better the world. Every recruiter I went to wanted me to sign on the dotted line, but only the Navy recruiter, Chief Johnny Liston, took care of me while I was in the foster system. He made sure I had running shoes for PT and water. Sometimes, he would take me to dinner. That’s what set him apart.”
SRS 32 centralizes administrative and support functions, economizes resources and provides a common pool of experts who provide complete functional support to operational submarines homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London, pre-commissioning unit crews at Electric Boat shipbuilding facility and maintenance period units at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.
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, 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, Vazquez 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.
Vazquez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is being named SRS 32 Transient Division’s Junior Sailor of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2025,” Vazquez said. “I honor my daughter and serve my peers in their pursuit of their goals and education. I’m someone they can ask for help. I went through Tuition Assistance and have struggled in and out of the Navy. I’m not a perfect sailor, but it’s the bounce back and how you take life that makes a difference.”
Vazquez 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 that when I wear the uniform, I become part of a mission bigger than myself,” Vazquez said. “The last name on my uniform represents my family, and the U.S. Navy represents the mission and the goal.”
Vazquez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my uncle, Alfredo, my daughter, Isabella, and thank those in the uniform who continue to guide me and teach me how to be a better man,” Vazquez said. “I love my country. My service is dedicated to our freedom and my family back home, which keeps me rooted with love.”
Vazquez is also thankful for the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps for providing a taste of leadership and teaching what it means to be a good person.
“The Sea Cadets gave me the initial introduction to Navy life and what it means to be a good person and a good leader,” Vazquez added. “I volunteer with them now, and we train cadets from 13 to 18 years old. They wear our uniform and get their first introduction to what it means to be a sailor and what the mission is. They can try it before they sign the contract. I did submarine training with them. One of the cadets hated it and wanted to do aviation after that, and I said, 'Thank you,’ because they told me. I want to send a shoutout to the Desert Storm Division in California, where I was a cadet, and the Nautilus Division here on base, where I volunteer.”
Vazquez plans to continue a career in the Navy and intends to commission as an officer.