By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach

GROTON, Conn. - A Houston, Texas, native is in training to be a part of a 123-year tradition of service under the sea.

Submariners play a critical role in carrying out one of the Defense Department’s most important missions: strategic deterrence. As a student at Navy Submarine School, Seaman Apprentice Gabriel Reyes is learning the skills needed to operate aboard submarines so they can successfully complete missions around the world.

“I joined the Navy to continue a family tradition of military service and for the healthcare and educational benefits,” said Reyes.

Growing up in Houston, Reyes attended Westfield High School and graduated in 2016.

Skills and values similar to those found in Houston are similar to those required to succeed in the military.

“I learned in my hometown to have a hard work ethic and time management skills,” said Reyes. "Working hard shows dedication and time management is important because you have a lot of different tasks to complete each day."

These lessons have helped Reyes 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."

Serving in the Navy means Reyes 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."

“We are the strongest Navy in the world,” said Reyes. “We contribute to national defense by being a show of power to adversaries and deterring their threats.”

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.

As Reyes and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Being in the Navy means that I am serving for my family, as well as the country,” said Reyes. “It also means I can be a role model for others.”

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

“I want to thank my father, Gaston Reyes, and my mother, Rhondelle Louviere, for raising me to be the man I am today,” added Reyes.