SAN DIEGO – Seaman Noah Ramos, a native of Belleville, Illinois, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Scranton, a fast-attack submarine homeported at Naval Base Point Loma.
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| Photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Sean Furey, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
As a submariner, Ramos is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Ramos graduated from Belleville East High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Belleville.
“I learned to work hard,” Ramos said. “I grew up in the country and moved to the city. The work I did while out in the country instilled grit and hard work, which translated smoothly into the Navy.”
Ramos joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Ramos serves as a torpedoman’s mate.
“I joined the Navy because I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” Ramos said. “I didn’t like college very much; it was boring sitting in the classroom and I wanted something more active.”
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 support of U.S. national security.
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines, ballistic-missile submarines and guided-missile submarines.
Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines, like Scranton, have been the backbone of the submarine force for the last 40 years, with approximately 23 in service. 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.
Equipped with 12 Vertical Launch System tubes for firing Tomahawk cruise missiles, Scranton is only slightly longer than a football field at 360 feet long and 33 feet across at its widest point. Scranton is crewed by more than 140 enlisted sailors and officers.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Ramos serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
Ramos has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment so far is graduating from torpedoman 'A' school,” Ramos said. “It was a big relief, it felt like I finally made it to the fleet and it felt like I had a real job and could support the fleet.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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.
“I’m very patriotic, so serving means everything,” Ramos said. “My dad served, and I feel every person should serve four years. It builds character and life skills.”
Ramos has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment so far is graduating from torpedoman 'A' school,” Ramos said. “It was a big relief, it felt like I finally made it to the fleet and it felt like I had a real job and could support the fleet.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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.
“I’m very patriotic, so serving means everything,” Ramos said. “My dad served, and I feel every person should serve four years. It builds character and life skills.”
Ramos is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents,” Ramos said. “They’ve been behind me every step of the way.”