Surprise seaman continues long tradition

BANGOR, Wash. — Seaman Apprentice Jaymes Manlunas, whose family lives in Surprise, is one of the sailors serving aboard USS Nevada, continuing the U.S. Navy’s 124-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 Surprise.

“The most important lessons I learned growing up are to not back down from anything and not to be afraid of anything,” Manlunas said. “It is important not to be afraid to ask questions or to take chances. Those lessons have helped me get this far and have helped me secure a duty station.”

Manlunas joined the Navy nine months ago. Today, Manlunas serves as a torpedoman’s mate.

“I joined the Navy to secure a good future for my future family,” Manlunas said.

Known as America’s “Apex Predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically 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 Base Kitsap, in Washington.

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 member of the submarine force, Manlunas is part of a rich 124-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 Pacific Submarine Force maximizes the Navy’s strengths of knowledge, stealth, agility, firepower and endurance.

“The men and women of the Pacific Submarine Force are among our best and brightest Americans,” said Rear Adm. Richard Seif, Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet. “The pace of activity across the force is eye-watering, and our ability to remain on-scene, unseen, is only possible due to their hard work and critical thinking. We are lethal, far-reaching, and incredibly capable, and we deter aggression through our demonstrated advantage in the undersea domain.”

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.

Manlunas serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Manlunas has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I’m just starting my career in the Navy and looking forward to accomplishing great things,” Manlunas said.

Manlunas can take pride in serving America through military service.

“To me, being in the Navy means protecting the people who can’t serve and being a man in this generation,” Manlunas said.

Manlunas is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my family, friends and the people I’ve served with,” Manlunas said. “I also want to thank my fiancé, L. She’s been there for me, sometimes even more than family. It’s nice to have someone you can talk to.”

Ashley Craig is with the Navy Office of Community Outreach. Visit yourvalley.net. We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.