U.S. NAVAL BASE GUAM – More than half of the U.S. Navy’s submarine force is based in the Indo-Pacific region due to the area’s strategic importance. At any given time, the undersea forces are conducting worldwide operations across the full spectrum of undersea warfare missions.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Rene Cardenas, a native of Rialto, California, is one of the sailors continuing the 124-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Cardenas graduated from Keiser High School in 2013.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Rialto.
“Growing up, I was taught I needed to have patience and tolerance for those around me,” said Cardenas. “Me and my fellow sailors spend a lot of time together. We eat together, work together and bunk in the same room. We need to have patience with each other and work together to get the mission done.”
Cardenas joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Cardenas serves as a sonar technician.
“I joined the Navy to travel and see the world while protecting and defending my country back at home,” said Cardenas. “The Navy had so many opportunities and I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my family.”
Known as America’s “Apex Predators!” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically-advanced vessels. These submarines can conduct 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).
Cardenas serves aboard the fast-attack submarine, USS Jefferson City.
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.
The Pacific Submarine Force maximizes our strengths of knowledge, stealth, agility, firepower, and endurance and works as part of joint and combined forces to maintain the international rules-based order and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.
“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.
Cardenas 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.”
Cardenas has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being able to travel to Japan and witness the culture and people,” said Cardenas. “I love the fact that I am earning a paycheck, helping defend my country and loved ones while being able to work on a submarine. I don’t like to brag but I think I am the only one from my hometown who has ever been on a submarine, let alone been able to work and live on one.”
Cardenas can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means always being prepared wherever or whenever you are to help others and protect those who need you,” said Cardenas. “The Navy is seen as a symbol of strength and protection for those around the world who need our assistance.”
Cardenas is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents back home for always supporting me,” added Cardenas. “I would also like to thank my command for teaching me so many valuable skills I can use for the rest of my life.”