By Petty Officer 1st Class James H. Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach

(KINGS BAY, Ga)- A 2012 Elkins High School graduate and Missouri City, Texas native is serving aboard the homeport for U.S. Atlantic Fleet’s ballistic missile nuclear submarines.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Daniel Prieto, a culinary specialist, is responsible for scheduling events and inspections for submarines at Kings Bay.

“I like that my job allows me to be part of success on the waterfront,” said Prieto.

The mission at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is to provide support to the fleet, fighter and family, according to Navy officials. It is the state-of-the-art home to the Atlantic Fleet's Trident submarines and serves as an integral part of the nation's strategic deterrence program.

The Navy’s ballistic missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as undetectable launch platforms for ballistic missiles. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles, and they are the only survivable leg of the nation’s strategic nuclear forces, which also include land-based missiles and aircraft. The Ohio-class design allows the submarines to operate for 15 or more years between major overhauls.

Prieto and other sailors know they are part of a legacy supporting the Navy’s most advanced submarines.

"We demand the highest standards from our sailors - both professionally and personally," said Rear Adm. Randy Crites, commander, Submarine Group 10 in Kings Bay. “Their chain of command, family and our great nation take immense pride in their devotion and service. These sailors are absolutely crucial to ensuring our ships and submarines are operating at their best - always mission ready, providing our nation with the greatest Navy the world has ever known. I'm so very proud these sailors are on our team."

“Serving here gives me a better understanding of the global politics and how it pertains to me,” said Prieto.

Serving in the Navy, Prieto is learning about leadership and managing multiple responsibilities.

“Serving in the Navy improved my work ethic and instilled a desire to leave things better than when I found it,” said Prieto.