By Ensign Brittany Crocker, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Submariners make up only 10 percent of the U.S. Navy’s personnel, but they play a critical role in carrying out one of the Defense Department’s most important missions: strategic deterrence. Petty Officer 2nd Class Sebastian Oliveras Rios, a native of Maple Valley, Washington, is one of the sailors continuing a 123-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure American’s safety.
Oliveras Rios joined the Navy two years ago and today serves as a nuclear electronics technician serving aboard USS Washington.
“I joined the Navy for job security during the pandemic, and to make my grandfather proud because he served in the Navy,” said Oliveras Rios. “I wanted to see the world and work with interesting technology, which the Navy excels in.”
Growing up in Maple Valley, Oliveras Rios attended Tahoma High School and graduated in 2020.
Skills and values similar to those found in Maple Valley led to success in the military. “I learned to talk to people,” said Oliveras Rios. “If you can talk to people well enough and communicate, you can solve any problem.”
These lessons have helped Oliveras Rios while serving in the Navy.
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.
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.
“Our mission remains timeless – to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
Strategic deterrence is the Nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Oliveras Rios is part of a rich 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.
Serving in the Navy means Oliveras Rios is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy
“The Navy projects power all over the world to show that the United States can defend itself and its allies,” said Oliveras Rios.
With 90 percent 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Oliveras Rios and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m proud that I graduated from nuclear training school,” said Oliveras Rios. “Navy nuclear schools are tough and not everyone makes it through, so I’m glad to be here.”
As a member of the Navy, Oliveras Rios is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy. “This is a job I can be proud of,” said Oliveras Rios. “I know it’s important and I protect the people I love back home. I’m also making memories that I can look back on fondly some day.”
Oliveras Rios is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible. “I’d like to thank my father who always believes in me, my grandfather who inspired me to join the Navy and my instructors at nuclear school who taught me so much,” added Oliveras Rios.
